IF someone asked me to sum up my university experience in a few words, I would say – stress, deadlines, partying and then more stress. Naturally, moving away from home can be daunting.
I found the transition especially overwhelming considering that I grew up in the small town of Port Shepstone.
I remember the concern and uneasiness on my mother’s face the day my parents dropped me off at Rhodes University.
I, a sheltered introvert, now had the gigantic task of adjusting to ‘the real world’.
Starting university, I took comfort in the fact that I was moving to Grahamstown, another small town.
To my surprise, I’ve experienced more in this little town than I have in my primary and secondary schooling years combined.
Upon entering my second year of study, I can sincerely say that I have been able to adjust. Being exposed to people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and ideologies has completely opened my mind to another level of thinking.
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From junior entrepreneurs to hippies, there is an abundance of student cliques to interact with on campus. Being in a new environment has made me much more accommodating and tolerant towards others.
Being a student, journalist, in particular has allowed me to meet so many unique people who have prompted a change in my way of viewing the world.
– Flavourfest video courtesy of LOTv
The most difficult part for me is that I only see my family about four times during the year. For most of us students, there are no parents around to bring you study snacks or do your washing for you.
On the bright side, if you can find yourself an amazing group of friends, I guarantee that it makes living away from home a whole lot easier. The campus, along with Grahamstown as a whole, is simply stunning.
Each building carries a little piece of history with it. There is a lot of art history to learn about from the museums or during the National Arts Festival.
On the other hand, the drinking culture at Rhodes is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. One can imagine how amazed I was to find at least six clubs all on the same street!
There are always alcohol specials on offer to students, ensuring that there is never a quiet night in Grahamstown. As the months passed, my eyes grew accustomed to watching my friends literally crawl up the hill to their dorms.
My first year did not go as smoothly as I had imagined it would in my head. In addition to the workload, student protests were at a peak.
Protest video courtesy of Activate Online [student press]
Standing in the midst of tear gas and the cries of peers can be an overwhelming experience for anyone. Following the #Feesmustfall and #RUReferencelist protests, I found that sensationalism by the media angered the students more.
The influx of inaccuracy and false reporting in the media today is what influenced my decision to study journalism – because I feel that this is something that needs to be changed.
When I think about my university life so far, it really has been an amazing experience. Despite the hurdles, I have been given the opportunity to discover who I am as a person.
Having more responsibility and freedom, I have been able to grow in confidence and independence.
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