G-Spot Informer

The whole blogging experience

2008-10-25T00:12:00.001+02:00

Reflecting on Blogging as Narrative and Genre

The course for Narrative and Genre was one of the most interesting and enriching I have done in Journalism this year. It combined everything we had learnt in Journalism and media studies throughout the year into a package that integrated theoretical and practical knowledge. It gave us the opportunity to explore new technologies and mediums of communicating with people but a chance to showcase our writing.

Having to work in a group was extremely challenging as you no longer can work on your own time but to accommodate other people around you. Also the collaboration of ideas although beneficial does pose the obstacle of not everyone always seeing the same vision. Although the course posed challenges with time management and differences in opinion and focus the advantageous part was the writing was still individual assignments. This struck a balance between keeping things new and fresh having different perspectives but also gave also allowed your own individual style of writing to excel.

I felt my productivity throughout the course was good. I did not miss any deadlines and contributed significantly to the group. Having tight deadlines motivated me to be as professional a journalist as I could. Having many assignments also allowed me the opportunity to consistently improve my writing over the course and that reflects not only in my blog posts but my marks as well.

I found that because a blog is such a personal space that although we were given a brief of ‘surviving first year’ the best story ideas came from personal experiences and strong feelings towards certain issues. As a first year I found there was no shortage of story idea’s, it allowed me to not only be passionate but inspirational as well. The briefs we did find for our assignments I actually found incredible helpful and important in guidance in the right direction. It can at times be very difficult to find a focus or direction for a story but the briefs gave clear instructions of what was expected with more than enough scope to add ones own personal imagination and creativity.

The chance to discuss any problems you might have had with your blog not only with other journalism students but also with tutors was extremely helpful. I felt we were all thrown into the deep end with a medium many of us had very little experience with. The meetings allowed me to ask questions and sort out any niggling problems or misunderstandings related to the blog and to assignments. I thought that I actively participated in meetings and tried my best to work towards a great blog.

This has been the most important part of this course for me. It gave me the opportunity not only to look at my own experiences in different perspectives but the chance to share them. When you write something it suddenly lets something out within you and you feel a little freer. The letter to my younger self for example was the most rewarding exercise for me. It gave me a retrospective look at myself but also a chance to share something deep and personal. Not only bring able to share your experiences but share others who were feeling similar emotions is a wonderful learning experience. I definitely came out of this with a different mind set. In terns of growth professionally, it gave me the chance to write. An opportunity to explore different genres and styles of writing, from the opinion piece to this reflexive one they have all been a chance to improve my writing and grow as a journalist.

I will admit it was quite a challenge working within the constraints of a specific genre, especially when it came to the assignments not always complimenting our blog character. However these challenges are important to growing as a journalist. It let you develop ideas in new directions and experiment with different genres.

Admittedly this is the biggest problem I had with the entire course. Whether or not blogging is journalism? The fact that anyone can produce this type of media in a way undermines the entire concept of journalism. My personal feeling towards journalism is that it should not live in the technological world of blogging. Yes it a wonderful spheres to spark conversation and create debate. But at the end of the day all it consists of is different people’s views and opinions. Journalism involves more than just opinions, it all those news values that people find important. If blogging could be regarded as journalism what would be the need for journalists? I feel that the journalists report the news that sparks the debates on blogs. I feel it is important that we distinguish this difference between blogs and professional journalism. We as a n audience trust journalists to do a specific job and because anyone can blog it is necessary as a n audience to be a lot more analytical and cynical of the information we are receiving. However as an aspiring journalist I do feel blogs are a wonderful space to practice and perfect your writing. It is great opportunity to improve your writing skills and say something important at the same time.

The strengths of this theme meant a clear focus. You knew exactly what was expected of you and what the purpose of your blog entailed. Also as first years it gave you first hand knowledge and experience, who better to talk on such a subject but first years themselves. Unfortunately the weakness of being confined to this theme often made it difficult to come up with new fresh stories. As everyone is in the same boat only so much can be experienced. The same patterns and clichés come out of this theme.

The amount and type of research depended entirely on the assignment we were given. For example the profile article your most important source would be the person you are profiling. A letter to your younger self means a source is not really required as it is a reflection of your own personal feelings and experiences. I think that because a blog can be so personal you are often less inclined to be as worried about research, and that is why we need to be more analytical of blogs in general. This is also why professional journalists still serve a very important place in the media. The research we conducted was mostly in the planning stage of our blog, taking a look at other student blogs and deciding what would be relevant to ours. Also how blogs work in terms of themes, widgets etc… I learnt most importantly that research does not always yield the results you were hoping for. Also you need to have a sound technological/computer background if you want your blog to really be a success as it is not very extremely user friendly. When it comes to coding etc… it is important to have prior knowledge in that field.

Blogging was at the end of the day a wonderful learning experience. It took us all out our comfort zones and let us explore new avenues. Most of being used to hard news writing from the first term, this suddenly let us experience different genres and experiment with their conventions. It was a chance for us to produce a piece of media that has the potential to be read by millions. It was a chance to sharpen and improve our writing and explore a medium that is growing extremely fast in contemporary media. My only concern it being in contradiction with the point of journalism it was none the less a course full of potential.

Bridge xxx

Corporate Shmorporate

2008-10-24T16:16:00.003+02:00

I completely agree with this post (http://executiveladder.typepad.com/the_executive_ladder/2008/10/top-10-steps-to-catapult-your-career-up-the-corporate-ladder.html?cid=136189271#comments) where you say that networking is the key to great success (point nine) due to the exposure that is unavoidable. The internet is massive and there is no dark corner on this earth that has not been tickled by the tentacles of the web. It is a great tool for meeting people and making contacts. The possibilities are endless and the right people can be contacted within a few minutes. This is the positive aspect of “It’s not what you know, but who you know”. There is however a negative side of this phenomenon: there are those who know more than anyone else but are still not getting rewarded for their knowledge or know-how. I find it unfair and feel that there is no justice because it is inevitable that many of the people who have the contacts are possibly going to jump on the band wagon and go for a free ride to the top. Whereas those who have the knowledge are never going climb any corporate ladder because they are left without contacts and forced to use their own devices which are seldom sufficient. In an ideal world, we as humans would be able to strike that balance of knowing people and knowing content. Until then, we can only hope justice prevails.

2008-10-24T15:35:00.001+02:00

You are part of the select few at Rhodes who can write tests and do assignments without attending lectures and still receive good marks. There are, however, roughly 6300 students at Rhodes of which I say about 300 are capable of doing what you do. For the rest of us, we have to attend lectures because we need that little bit of extra material to base our studies on.

You say “we are here to pass, especially as first years”. Rubbish! To get accepted into Journalism II, we need at least 65% at the end of the year to even be considered a spot. Just a pass will not suffice.

R75 a lecture? If that money was coming out of your pocket I’m pretty sure you’d reconsider missing all those psych lectures. It’s your parent’s money that you are throwing under your shoe and on which you’re stomping, not yours.

As for me, I’ve got a dawny tomorrow so I’m going to get some shut-eye. I hope you reconsider and attend your last week of lectures in First Year.

Superman

2008-10-24T15:34:00.001+02:00

Nice guys!! I like how you guys turned that guy into the murderer. He went from someone we started liking and could relate to and suddenly turned into the villain when he decided to pull out the scissors on that innocent girl. Your use of Propp and his characters was unique and fun; I loved how the girl was the damsel in distress and how you made us hate the guy. You then whipped out that awesome twist where it was revealed that the guy was actually just writing a book about those exact events and was not the villain at all but more a hero for being able to be imaginative enough to create a story like that! Enjoyable as well as funny! I had to laugh at the stereotypical comments made about being stoned.
Superman

2008-10-24T15:33:00.000+02:00

That is an amazing story. It is awesome to know how positive people can be about such serious issues and this allows us to look back at ourselves and consider ourselves fortunate. I also agree with the direction that Bianca is now taking; focusing more on the academic side of varsity instead of the overwhelming social side. By using Propp’s theory relating to the hero and villain in narratives, I feel you have rightfully portrayed Bianca as the hero of your profile where she encounters the villain of Cancer and other kidney related ailments. All in all, a wonderful, light hearted story that is well told in the form of your writing.
Superman
www.gspotinformer.blogspot.com

2008-10-24T15:30:00.000+02:00

Yo Pistol Pete!
I hear you... The friendships that are formed here in Rhodes are that which will last for a life time. And I am so glad you too have a positive outlook on Rhodes; I love Rhodes and all the new things I have learnt about myself as well as other people. I completely agree when you say "work hard, play hard and above all just relax", because that is exactly what I wanted someone to tell me when I was about to attend Rhodes. I did not want to hear about the bad stories or the possible struggles I was going to face, I just wanted to know if i was going to enjoy my time so that I could then take the bad along with the good.Keep up the awesome blogging!
Superman
www.gspotinformer.blogspot.com

A Reflection in the Mirror of JMS1

2008-10-24T15:26:00.000+02:00

Five gruelling weeks of action packed Journalism including neither conventional essays nor reporting, but blogging. Assignment after assignment was steered my way but when it did seem to get too much and I tended to feel rather overwhelmed, I was, without fail, spurred on by the ring-masters Alette and Sim, our lecturers.

I was assigned my group in which I would be working with during the course of the term. Four girls just as determined as me to get the most out of this unusual course. It was not all rainbows and butterflies working in a group though. It was terribly difficult when it came to brain storming and idea sharing because, naturally, we all had different ideas and wanted them to feature on our blog. A compromise was reached and the product included a little something from everyone.

I personally think I brought a few unique ideas to the party and contributed with a lot of effort regarding the initial starting up of our blog at the beginning of the term. Tedious nights were a regular occurrence while trying to find suitable templates and other gadgets to add to our blog on the most random sites the internet had to offer.

In attempt to not fall under the category of “random internet site”, we tried to stick to our theme of the blog when posting new material. These attempts included relevant pictures, relevant gadgets and of course relevant content that added to our blog’s image and theme. I did not have a problem when it came to our story ideas because I was required to either write about topics that were already close to me or we were given exceptionally basic guidelines from our lecturers and tutors regarding the other pieces that were due. Commenting on other pieces written by fellow class mates was by far the most fun. I was given the licence to critically examine their pieces as well as give them my own feed back hoping they would read it and appreciate what it was that I had to say.

Keeping to the overall theme of “Surviving First Year” was not very challenging and was, in fact, rather easy. There were times I had wished that there were no constraints but I realised that later on in the future, these constraints will be everywhere and I should therefore get used to it and use it to my advantage. The reason for me coping with the theme was because it was something I had done and am still continuing to do. I have spent nearly nine months at Rhodes and have learnt so much about myself and the people around me. I have become independent and enjoyed writing about my journey as a first year and sharing any tips that I possibly could. When I say sharing, I mean writing a piece and putting it out on the chopping block awaiting judgement; judgement from the public and no longer just my tutors or my lecturers with whom I have a relationship.

Knowing that there was an actual audience that could possibly read my piece, I was forced to research material in depth so as not to make a fool out of myself by stating facts that did not exist or making presumptions that were incorrect. It was extremely daunting knowing that my work was no longer in the safe confides of the JMS faculty at Rhodes but was now possibly circling the deepest, darkest corners of the continent and, therefore, had to be top-notch. To make sure my writing was unique and hopefully well accepted, I chose my sources carefully. I needed material that was interesting, original and relevant to my blog. All my sources provided me with wonderful content and were particularly open to being interviewed and included in my pieces that were later on published on my blog. Luckily I was not faced with any obstacles too great to conquer such as ethical issues or personal clashes. My skills as a journalist have improved thanks to these interviews and also the demand of reliable sources for my content.

After speaking to numerous second and third years also doing Journalism and hearing that they did not do blogging in their first year, I find myself among a fortunate group of students who have been exposed to the world of blogging so early on in our studies. I loved the practical side of journalism that was brought out by blogging and feel that I performed much better when dealing with practical assignments as apposed to the theory surrounding journalism. I honestly believe I rack up a respectable 9/10 in terms of my growth that was brought about by the blogging course. The practical side fused with the theory learnt earlier in the year was a magical combination and re-ignited my love for writing and expression.

Great ideas - somene else who feels the same

2008-10-23T20:35:00.001+02:00

What a wonderful blog - your stories were great examples of different long distance situations. Put into the most simple of terms and illustrating your point clearly at the end of the day. Having had my own long distance scenario, special in its own way, it was a time in my life that taught me so much about myself as a person and helped me grow immensely as a person. I wish I had found your blog earlier because it has been a year for me to draw the same conclusions. See - http://gspotinformer.blogspot.com/2008/09/letter-to-me.html your blog is really appropriate. Thank you for making things seem a lot more black and white - it is true sometimes things will work out sometimes they won't just like nay relationship. You need to work on it and if not pick yourself up and try again. You gain a new type of strength as a person not only by moving away to varsity but by going through something as tough as a long distance relationship. I hope people in that situation read your blog, it makes them smile and inspires them to do what their heart is telling them.

See: http://theuniversityblog.co.uk/2007/09/20/long-distance-relationship-is-it-for-you-part-2-story-time/
For original post and comment.

G-Spot Informer

2008-10-22T13:50:00.000+02:00

Furudeusu Tribune

G-Spot Informer

2008-10-22T13:44:00.000+02:00

G-Spot Informer
http://furudeusu.blogspot.com/2008/09/lifes-game.html

Comment on another opinion

2008-10-21T14:42:00.002+02:00

An opinion all on its own

I am not entirely sure what you thought first year would entail before you arrived but I can certainly tell you I was not had as disillusioned as you. Your argument follows a series of thoughts that make fist years sound immature and naive about life. But you are adults and should no longer need to be ‘modi-coddled’.

Referring to first years as 'their' makes you sound elitists and as if you are not one yourself. Putting yourself above first years so to speak makes you sound like the inexperienced one. Now when you decided to come to a university on the other side of the country, I am not entirely sure if you thought it would be peaches and cream? But in making such a big decision of leaving your home, I hope you accepted that it would not be easy but also that receiving that independence comes with the same amount of self discipline and responsibility.

Secondly did you never have older friends whilst you were at school that could tell you stories of their university experiences? Why is interaction with someone one or two years older suddenly strange? And why refer to all seniors as if they are predators? My experience of varsity is that there really is no age barrier or such a thing as seniors and juniors. If you make friends with people older than you they can be incredibly helpful in being there for you. To help you navigate your way round first year, because like you said they have been there before. You will only be a victim if you make yourself one. What if you told someone older you are third year? They would still hit on you; this has nothing to do with age or being a 'junior' as you called it. It has to do with ones own naivety in the situation. The only way you can deal with is by going out and experiencing new things.

Also I am not sure where you come from but there are bottle stores and clubs in my hometown as well, this is not a new occurrence in the world. In fact people party much harder much bigger in places such as Joburg but only because the town is small and it is concentrated that you notice it a lot more. It is just magnified by a small town with fewer places to go. But it is student life, and it is up to you how you let effect you. Once again the responsibility is in your hands.

There is so much support around you; everyone is in exactly the same boat so the varsity really caters for you. There is the counseling centre, your house warden and your friends will play an essential roll. Maybe meet some 'seniors' - they won’t eat you if you don’t let them.

If you not ready for the independence that varsity brings along with it personal growth and maturity. Go back home, where you are spoon fed. But in the big bad world one day everyone is a "target" regardless of your age and it is for you to learn how to react to being in uncomfortable situations. That is what university is for – to learn. Not jus academically but socially as well. The life experiences you gain here can not be taught in a book. Social interaction is the biggest part of a person’s personal development.

I would not trade my first year experience for anything. I have honestly had the time of my life, even with all its challenges and ups and downs. I have learnt more about myself, and matured and grown as a person in way that words can not describe. It has been the best decision of my life and I do it all again in a heartbeat even with the difficult parts because that’s what makes you stronger at the end of the day.

Bridge xxx

http://1styearspread.blogspot.com/2008/10/seniors-vs-juniors.html
At: http://1styearspread.blogspot.com/

Personal Opinion on Rhodes journalism

2008-10-20T11:13:00.001+02:00

JMS1-2 APPLICATION

When one picks Journalism as a course they are often driven by their artistic passion to produce media. The problem begins with ‘the cut off’ and now that the deadline was nearer all you keep hearing is “only 129 of you will make it into journ 2”. I have to say there is nothing more stressful than this, going through the application is like writing your final matric exam. The idea of the cut of seems to have gotten most of our heads spinning in the wrong direction. ‘Will I make it? What if I don’t make it? These questions arise each time you think about handing in that dull brown envelop with you name on it. Most of us abandoned our homes we came to Rhodes; despite the fact that we are miles away from family and friends our dream to major in journalism and finality reach our goal of becoming media practitioners.

It seems the journalism department has a catch to its course each year. Even if you do make it into journ 2 guess what, you still have to apply for journ 3. Only this time you are guaranteed a spot but the catch is that you might specialize in design while what you really wanted to specialize in television broadcasting. The journalism department sure knows how to shatter ones dreams. The department puts a pond of stress on your head and they seem to forget that as a first year you also have other challenges to deal with. Some of us had no idea that the department only accepts a certain number of people till we got here, this is surely news worthy. Despite the fact that you have high expectations for yourself the department seems to have even higher expectations of the kind of people they want to graduate with a journalism degree.

When one thinks of not making it into journ 2 you feel like your dream is to turn into a nightmare; it’s a horrific incident to picture especially if you have the passion and the natural talent. I have often witnessed students’ who are in the JMS 1 class for the second year now and that is what I call true determination. If you truly believe that you born with journalistic genes keep going no matter what. Why should you give up? One stands to gain more in finding other alternatives in reaching your goal it might take you longer and it sure will be harder but at the end of it all you stand to gain. Even though our minds are set on whether or not we will make the cut the most important thing is whether or not you will reach your destination in life. No application form can determine your entire future its all up to you to make things happen. I think the JMS 1 students are taking the cut off way seriously; for most of us it seems like the nearing of time for the world to either restore us or for the world to end. When one door closes another door will open. If one really strives for success they do never give up or give into the challenges they face they just keep moving even through though times.

In time I hope the journalism department will make provision to accommodate more people in their course. This statement might not seem realistic as there are limited resources, high standards and a competitive media industry out there. My main point is that the JMS2 application should not be made to seem like a tool which determines your entire future.
Ntombi

First year survivor

2008-10-20T11:06:00.003+02:00

Her main goal for coming to Rhodes University is to get her BALLB degree; she never thought that other challenges were soon to follow. She was born in June the 2nd 1989 and was raised in the streets of Orlando West: Soweto; she lives with her grandmother and she knew that coming to Rhodes would test her level of independence, tolerance and intelligence.

One of the challenges she faced was “failing in June and getting an exclusion warning from the Dean of humanities”. She said this with her eyes on the ground as if though she felt a sense of shame. She only managed to pass philosophy and failed three of her other credits, two being her majors. She mentioned that this made her feel like she would most likely fail her first year but she wasn’t going to give up without a fight, she plans on studying hard for the final exam. “I will pass!” ”I have to” she said with a broad smile and a determined tone.

Academic matters where not the only challenge she was facing. She fell pregnant and while she was still trying to figure out what she would do about her pregnancy; she had a miscarriage. “This was the worsted experience of my life and hopefully I’m not going through this again” she said with tears running down her cheeks, she bite her lip to avoid making a sound. After the miscarriage which occurred during the June vacation she feels like a part of her is missing, she has been avoiding her friends and she locks her self up in her room. “I don’t talk or smile anymore and I don’t open up my door when someone knocks” she said with a sad tone.

Her best friend feels that she is pulling away from their friendship. “ I taught I knew her but she locks her door and when she finally decides to open it the problems would have not gone away, she is avoiding the situation” she said in a calm tone, blinking her eyes and shacking her head. The only problem is that she has not told her friends or family about the miscarriage leaving people confused of the strange way she has been acting lately.

The one thing that keeps her going is her grandmother, she raised her well and Jacqueline feels she has to repay her by succeeding and obtaining her goal. She has sacrifice to make sure that she gets a better future. “I have survived through many of my challenges and I’m still standing” she said with a smile. She is not about to give up on her career because of the first year challenges she has encountered. She still has hope in her heart that she will get through the theme, obtain her four credits, be in second year next year and grow from her experiences. She is a first year survivor who is still striving for success despite all she has been through. She resembles true character, strength, maturity and gives new meaning to the word persistence.

Freshman = freshmeat

2008-10-20T10:50:00.002+02:00

Comment addressed to a freshman who feels used…

Smooth operator I can relate to what you’re saying as we often find that we get to varsity with the intension of being in a stable sexual relationship. As a first year you are seen as ‘fresh meat’ and all they want to do is taste you, and once they have find something new. It is not wrong to see the opposite sex as HOT, but once you compromise yourself in sexual excitement and enjoyment you find yourself used. The worst part of it all is that the person you engage with in this act is not about to commit to a relationship with you, so they carry on with their lives while you end up stuck and wondering why you did what you did. When looking for a relationship look beneath the surface as looks can deserve you. This letter is the masculine side of the letter I wrote titled ‘sex and heart ache’.
Ntombi

2008-10-19T21:00:00.002+02:00

SO WHAT'S A LECTURE THEATRE RELATIONSHIP??? huh??

http://talesfromarhodent.blogspot.com/2008/10/lecture-theatre-relationship.html

Waking up for a JMS1 lecture or even attending the lecture in what may be the next period has become a tedious task which needs some form of motivation as of late. I’m sure many of the other students in this lecture agree that at a university level there is an assumed level of respect from both the lecturers and the students. This fine line doesn’t seem to exist within the JMS1 lecture. Journalism is the reason I am here at Rhodes and I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it – but I don’t enjoy lectures anymore. Yes I do agree that there should be more structure in this lecture but then as a lecturer; do not adopt a casual, arrogant attitude when engaging with your learners. I – as do many other JMS1 students – go to lectures to learn something and to enjoy what we’re learning because Blogging is fun! But I refuse to arrive for a lecture only to be insulted through a mere generalization, and then to have the lecturer humiliate a student by reading her email to the entire lecture, correcting her grammatical errors, when his very lecture presentation contains more mistakes than her email. Surely he has no ground to stand on – and whatever happened to respect? It is completely inappropriate and unprofessional to handle such an email in this manner – shouldn’t it be assumed that confidentiality will be imposed – especially when consulting with your lecturer? If any, this is the reason that I have lost a certain degree of respect for my JMS1 lecturers. Yes I am a student in your class, I will respect you but then respect that I am your student and respect the rights that I have too.

Ang.

2008-10-19T19:19:00.001+02:00

SO THIS IS MY COMMENT... its just a comment!!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_g45Cvutfvtk/SPOcaD16ixI/AAAAAAAAAAo/DJXuxyR4r-A/s1600-h/comic1.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g45Cvutfvtk/SPOcikxf5nI/AAAAAAAAAAw/qVWj288sfzk/s1600-h/comic2.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g45Cvutfvtk/SPOctecEKiI/AAAAAAAAAA4/J2FbcpozEqs/s1600-h/comic3.jpg

I was extremely captivated by this well thought out comic – one which I found relevant to life at Rhodes and especially with the shortage of the male species on campus. The issue this group decided to highlight through their photo comic is one which, I’m sure has been experienced by many and in fact played out in exactly the same manner. Turning the only guy in your group into a pimp was a clever move by the three ladies! It is evident that they have made use of the “Todorov Model of Narrative” in that there is a state of equilibrium and then later on when the girls discover the pimp’s plan this equilibrium becomes disrupted. Later it is restored when the girls join forces (as we should always do when it comes to the male species) and expose the ‘playa’. Character usage is clever, each role is clearly defined and they most definitely fit the role of the ‘plastics’ on campus. Very effective! All three of the girls function in much the same way upon leading to a defined climax where the guy is exposed as the villain. This is achieved using various social places on campus where Rhodents tend to hang out. In general I thought it was a clever comic, quality of photos was great and situations played out were believable.

Ang.

Harsh but true!!!

2008-10-18T20:31:00.003+02:00

A less than impressive comic

The Comic You guys made was interesting but lacked creativity. The theme was cliché and very 'high school'. Who was the villain? the friend or the boyfriend? Also some of the fames lacked continuity for example, the one where he changes his face book status the picture was different to the description although a minor detail for the computer screen to be correct still an important one. Also where did the disruption take place was it because of the fire drill? And using the same person to play two characters made it rather confusing. Sorry Guys I can see you had an idea but it seemed like a half hearted effort.

Bridge xxx

http://www.bungeemylife.blogspot.com/

Shut up And Eat your Food

2008-10-17T22:16:00.026+02:00

I am not sure what everyone else eats in their homes but I'm sure it must not be the same as mine.

Thinking back to my time spent in the dinning hall (A good couple of hours everyday), I cannot pin point a time in which some sort of complaint about the food has not been passed. Either the people I dine with are extremely fussy or maybe there is just something wrong with me and I have low expectations and standards because I certainly do not see anything wrong with the food. I think I just missed out in life with my mom not being a gourmet chef, when I go home I certainly do not get 3 hot meals dished up for me everyday that include a plate balanced with protein, veg and carbohydrates. In fact most of the day I live by SOS - Stretch or Starve -or perhaps everyone else has a family member that own a restaurant where they eat every night, and have the option of ordering off a menu. If this is the case then yes; eight different options is just not good enough. Poor you. My mom might ask if I would prefer carrots or cauliflower and I can only imagine her fuming if I had to demand the same amount of options, we're offerred in res, at home, "This is not a hotel" she would say. Also if I had to nit pick at the fact that the vegetables are too steamed or the meat a bit tough, her retort surely would be, "If you are not happy make it yourself". You eat what is put in front of you or else you do not eat at all. It is as simple as that.

I would like to propose the following to everyone the next time they sit down in the dining hall and want to complain about the food. Firstly, consider the task of cooking for 200 little spoilt brats, I am sure we can understand that vegetables might get a little over steamed or the chicken a litlte dry sometimes. Might I add that I have never had burnt rice - and that's a feat all on its own. Also the diverse range of people and tastes they need to cater for, this is not a restaurant or a hotel where the kitchen can spend one on one time with you and cater to your tastes and needs adding every ones own special spices and recipes.

Secondly I challenge you to trying to buy food for a week on what would of been spent on your meals. I am sure not everyone lives in the real world, have you seen the price of food?? Well either way I guarantee you would not be able to provide 3 full meals a day, i.e everything that is provided in the dining hall - meat, vegetables, salad, carbohydrates, bread, juice and dessert 3 times a week- for the same amount. If you don't like the food go ahead and buy something else; see exactly how far that gets you.

Also if you have friends in other universities (especially the much larger ones) ask them about their meals or better still; go have one for yourself. Then we can make a game out of comparing oil quantities. It'll be fun. Rhodes is renowned for looking after their students, we truly are pampered and looked after with too many luxuries.

Lastly take a look around you, have you walked around in Grahamstown?? There are people begging for food; street kids that are satisfied with a handful of chips from Steers. And there we sit in our beautiful dining halls prepared to complain about,what in some people's minds, is a feast.

If anything, living in Grahamstown has taught me to be extremely grateful for what I have in life. That includes a warm bed (so what if my room is small) and a hot meal in the evenings.
Bridge xxx

Why journalism can't help you change the world.

2008-10-17T21:52:00.001+02:00

The consideration to study journalism at Rhodes University often comes with the hope of being able to change the world, or at least the opportunity to write about pressing social issues that affect our day-to-day lives. In the beginning of first year, there is at least one student who feels that it is their duty to become a journalist in order to change the way people see the world or to tell the stories of those who are unable to tell them. In fact, many students desire to use the power of the media to bring about positive changes, to draw attention to the pressing issues that people face and to make what is not visible to the masses visible. In first year, what you come to discover is that what you believed about the nature of journalism is not what it appears.
Inherently we believe that news should depict reality and that what is made public is formed from an objective point of view. It should provide an understanding of the world that is reached by all people from every sphere of life. This however is not the case. In first year, by studying journalism and media studies, we are taught how news is constructed using news values. We become aware of the fact that it is constructed in such a way as to serve a particular class with particular economic interests. The media becomes a form of business creating media corporations.
Private ownership allows for certain channel agendas and the ability to reach a particular target audience through there choice of content. What we believe about the journalism we hoped would change the world is rapidly being undermined as we are taught how to construct the type of journalism that appeals to a minority group in society. The private ownership of the media in South Africa is also heavily influenced by foreign investors, which also contribute to the content of the media through their own private agendas.
On the Rhodes school of Journalism and Media studies it states, "Journalism and Media Studies seeks to make valuable intellectual contributions to the broad African media environment, and to the integrated and ongoing education of media practitioners." What they fail to mention is that we are learning to become media manipulators, or that in fact, it is not as easy as it seems to write about the social issues that are affecting the people of Jozi in Grahamstown because it has become old news and just about every angle that could have been taken on the issue of poverty has already been addressed and reproduced.
The vision statement somehow conflicts with the news values we are taught. It seems that the more we "produce and reproduce" the dominant relations of inequality the more apathetic people become. Instead of changing the world and making other people want to change the world, people are over exposed to these issues to the point where they no longer care. In first year, you come to the conclusion that what you believe you will attain, your own personal vision of saving the world and bringing attention to what you feel is important is irrelevant because the structure of journalism is based on fiction. Yet, there is no hero that saves the day; just a corporation making its money by trying to depict what reality is through the events that occur in our communities.

It's Not What You Know... It's Who You Know!

2008-10-17T20:49:00.002+02:00

The life of a first year, I’m sure many will agree, is extremely tough as it is. We all just want to make friends and have a seriously great time throughout the year. We are told that the easiest way to do that is to join clubs, societies and residences. So of course, being the young naïve first years that we are, we try this and yes it works. We do make friends. It is an amazing way to meet new people and expose ourselves to brand new things. But to succeed in these teams or these new clubs and societies; to make the most of these new clubs and societies, we have to climb the hierarchal ladder before we can even begin to get noticed. What tops it all off is the fact that no matter how good we might be at something or no matter how badly we want that position on house comm., we can never get it because Joe Soap, the rugby jock whom everyone loves, will walk away with our position in the end.

I was recently in a Drama III Director’s piece for which I had to work very hard for. I went to auditions which were then followed by two rounds of call backs. I had been in three previous productions other than the productions that myself and my fellow Drama I students created and performed. My friend, Joshua Martin, who had also been in a few previous productions, did not go to any auditions. He was however asked to be in a piece, also a Drama III Director’s piece. I was far from upset because I had gotten in on merit and was part of a massively successful production that many loved. There were other students who, like me had auditioned, but were not asked to go to the call backs and therefore did not make it into any productions. These select few were a lot less amused. “How can someone who didn’t even audition, get into that production?”

This may be a small incident and may seem irrelevant to some, but the reality is that it is occurring more and more amongst the students and the societies that we are a part of. I agree that it is indeed unfair that those who work so hard and are so determined to achieve their goals are not rewarded accordingly. Those who are deserved of receiving recognition or a position should not be overlooked. Period. That is why it is even worse to know that the reason for people being overlooked is because they are not supposedly popular or not the captain of the soccer team’s friend. Perhaps that is the reason why sport at Rhodes is so weak resulting in us not performing well in any inter-varsity competitions and having a reputation for not even featuring in sport. Why do the coaches not step in? Why do they let the elitist behaviour continue? I reckon it is because they, too, have been enveloped in this mentality that a group of friends can accomplish the tasks ahead better than a team of strangers. Well that is not how it is in the real world. When we leave Rhodes and find jobs, we will not find ourselves amongst our friends trying to reach deadlines or produce work to our boss. We will be thrown into a group filled with strangers and we will be asked to work together as a team to accomplish goals.

That is why we have to end this mentality so that we, as Rhodents, do not get thrown into the deep end when we find ourselves overwhelmed in the world of the working class. The sooner we can realise that achieving something on merit without the help of a friend in a high place, the sooner we can prepare ourselves for the world ahead and enjoy our deserved success.

2008-10-17T08:10:00.005+02:00

Life is a game and these are the rules...

Coming to Rhodes University and moving so far away from home is a huge step in many of our lives. That constant support structure offered by the parents is gone and this new gained freedom can be rather overwhelming at times. But one thing I’ve learnt since spreading my wings from the nest to fly into my own world is the importance of failure.

So it is said that ‘life is one huge game and it’s all about how you play it’. However playing a game is only fun when you’re winning. Suddenly I’ve had to learn that I can’t always be the winner of this game, even though I might think it’s a game I’ve managed to master. First year university broadens one’s horizons and whether you like the game called ‘Life’ or not, whether you are aware of the rules or not, all of this proves irrelevant to your basic instinct as a human being to survive and win.

I, for one, am an achiever. Well at least I thought so, until my first year at Rhodes taught me how to fail. So throwing the dice for my next move in the game didn’t always land on a six and there were many times when I had to ‘miss a turn’ or ‘return to start’, but looking back I think this year has taught me the basic fundamental lessons of life which needed to be learnt. What better opportunity to learn them – in your first year of university, right?

Okay, so there’s no manual on how life should be lived, how one should go about overcoming obstacles – someone even forgot to publish the rule book! Life lessons are learnt from first hand experience and I’m afraid to say being ‘an adult’ isn’t as fulfilling and glamorous as we always imagined it to be – especially since mommy and daddy are too far away to fight your battles or to hand over some money in times of need because your irresponsibility with budgeting has bankrupted you.

According to Cherie Carter-Scott there are no mistakes, only lessons which are cyclically repeated. In saying that, how many times can life teach you the same lesson until you finally learn something from it? At which point do we make the personal decision to enjoy the game we’re playing irrespective of whether or not we’re winning, losing or being sent ‘back to start’? How many times do we need to climb the ladder only to slide down yet another snake?

Unfortunately, universities don’t specialize or offer majors in ‘How to play the Game 101P’ – for beginners. We just have to accept that in order to achieve, we need to fail. Achievement and success can never be completely appreciated if the plummets of failure haven’t been experienced. During first year, there are several facets of life at which people fail – school work, social life, finances, building true character, giving into pressures and so much more – but this is the time to fail. This is the time when people start working towards destiny and failure is okay because without it, what paths would we be travelling?

No one ever sat me down and explained the logistics of life, no one ever told me that it’s a game that I won’t always like playing, and even though I was always the one winning the board games when I was younger – this one isn’t going to be that easy. Although first year has taught me this – and several other - fundamental lessons and regardless of the fact that it turned out to be nothing like what I had imagined, the game has taught me strength of character and identity (something many first years are unable to grasp). I’ve learnt that fighting to win the game now is more important than ever before because although I can remain comforted by the fact that I’m still in university – ultimately I will have learnt the rules to this game, my all time favourite game. Who would’ve thought that your entire degree at Rhodes would prove to be a major in ‘How to play the game 101P’ – for beginners!

Yet another comment that makes no sense to be on our blog

2008-10-15T23:49:00.003+02:00

Comment on a profile article

Little Miss Independent

The profile article on Kgothatso Monare described her feisty personality and serious nature excellently. Having the privilege of living in the room next door to this young lady I was pleasantly surprised to find out aspects of KG’s life I had not previously known. The profile article was well written and expressed Kgothato’s mannerisms in the most eloquent way (her face really does light up when she smiles). More so the article delved into a side of everyone’s life we do not hear enough about, our home lives as it is so easy to get caught up in the Hype surrounded about being a ‘Rhodant’ that we do not always take the time to get to know about the other sides of people’s lives. The article focused on KG as the Heroine, show casing her caring and hard-working nature. This profile had me asking questions and wanting to know more about my determined next-door neighbor. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this profile article; it was interesting, absorbing and enlightening.

Bridge xxx

So we supposed to post our comments on other peoples blogs on our own, yeah I know right!

2008-10-15T23:46:00.003+02:00

Comment on letter to younger self.

Wow - Your blog post, reminded me of how I left home in January, thinking Rhodes was the answer to all my dreams. Even with a relationship in progress it didn't matter, because we could make it work!!! Well firstly I commend you on lasting this long, and not because I think I distance is particularly difficult or that you feel heavily 'tempted' at Rhodes. But because of the communication issues you suddenly face. Everything that was so perfect between the two of you before suddenly feels like it is lost in 10 hours of abyss. Things are said, then misunderstood, misheard, misinterpreted and you just don't understand why or how to fix it! Especially with the feelings of anxiety and pressure that comes with this new, exciting adventure. You asked for advice, mine would be take the time to truly listen to one another. And if its special don't ever loose touch of one another, Talk to your friends about it and don't be afraid to cry! Make the most of your time together when you can. Most importantly when you are unhappy and getting hurt, say good-bye and let go! Don't hold onto something that will take a piece of your soul. Your Happiness is the most important thing

http://jamminjacuzzi.blogspot.com/

Bridge xxx

ALL ABOARD THE CANE TRAIN

2008-10-14T18:17:00.003+02:00

2008-10-07T13:08:00.002+02:00

COMMENT ON PROFILE

“MATHEMATICS”

Wow... when reading the title of this blog entry "Mathematics", I thought gosh my worst nightmare. Never for one minute did I expect the post to be about a real nightmare faced by a fellow Rhodent.

It just goes to show how insensitive humans can be at times and this post really helped me to gain perspective on a few issues I was currently facing – one of which being homesick. It is one thing to be coping with being 1000kms away from home, daily missing your family and longing to be with them however it is another when you are faced with the turmoil of loosing a parent while experiencing what is meant to be the best year of your life.
This blog allows for sincerity and sympathy but achieves its purpose – we all have our own issues in life but there is always someone out there whose problems are ten times worse than your own. It broke my heart to read that this young man had to loose his father, the person on which his family depended, and now as young as he is has taken on the responsibility of finding a means to provide for his family.

I’m incredibly sorry about his loss as am I proud to say that his story has been heard! I’ve learnt an indescribable lesson through the strength of a young man unbeknown to myself. Thank you for restoring my appreciation for the things in life that I have, no matter how far or near they are, you have proven that it is possible to accomplish your own dreams irrespective of what life throws your way. RIP Mr. Ndlovu.

The ultimate balancing act

2008-10-04T19:18:00.007+02:00

As you start your first year at Rhodes university, I am sure everyone received the same warning about how to mange their time. But when you dish up a little too much onto your plate, what inspires you to take a bigger bight? First year rhodant Chiminae Ball learnt very quickly how to distribute her time and energy between work, rehearsals, friends, family and life in general or else facing burn out. This 1.69m tall, dark eyed charming first year walked the tight rope of success when it came to time management and fulfilling all your ambitions.

Chiminae Ball arrived at Rhodes University a keen, starry eyed performer with dreams of a future in acting and singing. Growing up in Durban north she became part of the Kwa-Zulu Natal youth choir at the age of 16 where she has toured both nationally and internationally in places such as Estonia, Russia and Germany. Completing matric a year earlier than her grade, one of her subjects was Drama where she received a distinction. Two of her most important majors, here at Rhodes this talented and as one can only describe as beautiful young lady has had a year filled with ups and downs which gave her a crash course in time management.

Whilst still wanting to enjoy all the luxuries that come with the freedom of first year that include partying, res functions, making new friends and meeting new people. One of her closet friends described her as “funny, outgoing and full of life,” she is anything but anti-social. In fact another friend described, “Will never let her friends down and often the life of the party.”

As an aspiring actress, she threw herself head first into a series of plays in the Drama department. This included a part in Tshego Khutsoane’s Honors directing devised piece, “Hair Gemenies” in April this year. The piece had her walking up and down from the Drama rehearsal 3-4 times a week. Also being and angelic opera singer Chiminae was then offered a part in the Eastern Cape Opera Company and performed the “Mikado” that toured the Eastern Cape in June and July. A schedule that had her sacrificing her mid year holiday And when she thought she had time to relax along came Emma de Wets Play “Marlboro country.” Written and Directed by Emma de Wet as part of her honors directing course, Chiminae landed the lead role feisty, Jenny that blew people away. Receiving rave reviews when the play was finished Chiminae commented that the long hours and hard work were “worth it”. Completely different to the lovely and modest character of Miss Ball herself, Jenny on the other hand is aggressive and severe, Jenny has been one of her most challenging roles, one even a third year would struggle with. Set with the task of not only putting on a stellar performance, but also doing Emma proud and the part of Jenny justice, Chiminae worked for months on rehearsals. This included very late nights; practice between classes, during classes, whenever there was a free moment and supper at steers. The half an hour piece only ran for three memorable nights.

If this weren’t enough let us not forget that Chiminae is at Rhodes first and foremost to study. Academics are her chief priority and through it all has been able to keep her marks well above average. Pulling many an all nighter to get that English essay finished on time, keeping up voice training and music practice and drama rehearsals for her own practical exams.

Finally after all that, one might ask how this poor girl finds the time to eat, to bath let alone to breathe. With a first year as jammed packed and eventful as hers as been, how does she manage to do it all? She has sleepless nights, she has days that are frustrating and feels like giving up, she cries and she screams. The key to surviving your first year, to getting to the balancing act right, “Keep sight of your dreams, be ambitious and try it all, when times are tough lean on your friends for support, they will be there for you through thick and thin and when you can sleep late on Saturday.”

Bridge xxx

Today is the Day You Become a Man...

2008-10-04T15:53:00.005+02:00

The clatter of knives and forks and the odd burst of laughter from a distant table forced me to lean in closer so I could hear what Robert Jardine was dying to tell me; not necessarily me but more or less anyone willing to listen. His first year at Rhodes has not been that of a typical “Rhodent”. He, too, was bombarded with only negativity from those closest to him when he told them he wanted to study at Rhodes University. Warned not to drink too much or get caught up in the overwhelming party-life of Grahamstown, he continued his struggle to study at Rhodes so that he could learn independence and become the man he has always wanted to grow into. “Only one person had something positive about Rhodes to tell me and that was my Grandfather. He told me about the amazing academics and the tight-knit community, that same community that I’m now a part of”, he says while pasting his chips with the infamous chutney and mayonnaise combo.

It is not all rainbows and butterflies for this hard-working 19 year-old from Pietermaritzburg. He was given the opportunity to study at Rhodes by a business called Basil Read. They offered to pay for his studies if he would then work for them after he had attained his degree. To us this sounds like a wonderful proposition, but then again, we have no idea about the underlying circumstances and consequences. His first year at Rhodes has been marred by responsibility and copious amounts of pressure to do exceptionally well academically so that his bursary at Rhodes will not get rebuked. “I’ve come to know the library extremely well”, says Rob while staring expressionless at his now empty plate, “I’m there pretty often, sometimes even on Friday nights, hey. It’s not so cool having to graft so hard when you know your mates are out getting pretty liquored.”

During the holidays, while most of us go home to our families and enjoy a relaxing stretch of time socializing and rejuvenating so that we are well rested for the term to come, Rob spends his time in Johannesburg ‘trailing’ and shadowing his future employers. He spends long hours learning more and more about the job he will one day do. “I’ll hopefully be here at Rhodes for four years until my degree is finished. Now, in those four years, I will not, once, be present for the Grahamstown Festival”, he says while laughing uncomfortably trying to prevent me from feeling sorry for him, trying to hide any possible pain that he is feeling because, to him, this is a magical gift and he would rather die than seem the least bit ungrateful.

We could all learn something from Robert Jardine. It has been hard for him to grow up so quickly and he regrets not being able to let his hair down and enjoy the spoils that Rhodes offers its First Years. But he has been given the chance to prove himself as a man and please his family and future colleagues. He has learnt responsibility as well as the art of commitment and prioritisation. Perhaps we should all take heed and steer away from the destructive social life we have all been engulfed in. We are now adults and nearly finished with our first year at varsity, maybe we should start acting like we have a purpose… Books out! Pens out! Liquor bottles away.

2008-10-04T13:59:00.002+02:00

TWO GIRLS WITHIN A GIRL... GERALDINE KENT

As Geraldine walks into the room, she brings with her warmth and the kind of charisma that is not often found among people who are as busy as she is nor in the ‘home-sickly’ environment in which she finds herself. She is not just the average girl found on Rhodes campus. Despite of her demanding timetable, Gerry is the type of person who wakes up in the morning, appreciates the sunshine – and even the rain - then depending on her mood dresses to conquer the world. Wearing the colour she loves most – black – with a touch of her own identity (defining make-up, a necklace and some ear-rings) she sits down for a quick interview whose focus is entirely upon her, although rather apprehensive as she doesn’t often confide in people – being her best friend comes with special privileges.

Searching through her blue and purple Mickey Mouse bag to find her cellphone so she can suspend all contact with the rest of her world, she giggles and says, “so before we begin you should probably know that there are two girls in my world”. Knowing that this is a constant dilemma in which she finds herself, she further elaborates on this point. The Geraldine who has become ‘Gerry’ or ‘Gezabelle’ to all her friends and family, is a girl that finds herself in a world where there are two very important girls that make up her inner self. The girl she is – and the girl she longs to become. The first girl, looks into her own eyes and wishes with all of her soul that she could see beauty, confidence, hope and courage. Instead, all that she manages to find is insecurity and doubt. The second girl looks even deeper into those same eyes and with all of her soul, sees beauty, confidence, hope and courage. She believes that she is worth everything in the world and that all the people that matter to her, know this too.

Gerry is completely haunted by her inability to completely break free of all her insecurities, all the aspects of her life which have caused her to believe that rejection has become an inevitable part of her life. Regardless of her ability to evolve into a social butterfly, she has always been alone. “Maybe because I was never brave enough to risk getting hurt. Maybe because I always focused on the flaws instead of the positives. Maybe because I always sacrificed my good opportunities for my friends. Or maybe this was because I never believed that I was worthy of happiness and love. And if that was the case (which I’m pretty sure it was) then it was my entire fault” she comments casually with a fake smile on her face and pauses for a while in realisation. “The truth is that every day is a struggle for me. A struggle between what I could be and what I am. I could be Gerry who sees beauty, confidence, hope and courage. And I could believe that I am worth everything in the world. But sometimes I just can’t seem to fight off being me. I can’t help but wish for beauty, confidence, hope and courage while I stare at insecurity and doubt.”

First year has been an incredible experience for Gerry. She has loved every minute of it despite being caught in the struggle of finding her own identity and self-worth. Being such an enriching experience, a journey which has proven to be the struggle of first year has taught her one astounding lesson, “I am proud to say that I am still the same girl who left home with the ambition to conquer her dreams, with the morality to maintain her reputation and with the hope that someday I would believe in myself unfailingly. But I am also still the girl who doesn’t always appreciate herself, or give myself credit where it is deserved. However now I know how to find that balance, so that I can become the girl I could be, will be and deserves to be”.

2008-09-26T14:36:00.000+02:00

My dearest friend, Sebastian,

I write to you at this moment as a man. My days as a boy have come and gone like the rainbow after the storm. The sun is now shining and it looks like a wonderful world awaits me. My one concern is that of the pessimism that surrounded me like a dark blanket constantly looming over head. I was in turmoil at the end of Matric when I had to make a decision on where to study and in what direction I wished to go with my life. I solely wish someone had sat me down and brooded with me about how fantastic first year was going to be so that all the pre-stress could’ve been avoided.

The constant bombardment of warnings and expressions of concern from the people I spent most of my time with, had left me a nervous wreck. Nothing anyone said to me was constructive or gave me hope and excitement about moving away from home and studying at Rhodes. I was nervous as hell; the people closest to me had instilled a fear so menacing that sleeplessness became a common occurrence for the few weeks prior to my departure from home.

Yes, there is a lot of drinking and yes, you will get drunk and at times will be, somewhat, out of hand. Yes, it is daunting to enter an institution such as Rhodes and there won’t be a day where you won’t feel utterly inadequate. Yes, the work-load is immense and you will struggle…But you will push on. You will hold tight onto your morals and won’t let anyone pressurise you into anything. And, contrary to popular belief, you will make friends easily. You will build a fantastic support system and will rarely find yourself struggling through something alone.

Look forward to your time here. It will be amazing and you will cherish the memories of first year at Rhodes forever.

Yours sincerely,

Sebastian.

Blast to the past

2008-09-26T14:21:00.000+02:00

Dear younger troubled self,
There are days when you probably feel that time is disintegrating and that you are experiencing a lot of stress. The fleeting emotions that course through your veins as a result of your thinking too deeply, trying to predict the future and dealing with stress are part of this consuming process. Presently your face reflects each concern, twisted into a deep frown (that will never change) but each assumed vital concern will cease to exist in a matter of time only to be replaced by other concerns, more draining emotions and more stomach turning stress as you complete your final matric exams and prepare yourself for your first year of university.

Looking back now, all the stress and anxiety was necessary and unnecessary simultaneously. It was necessary as I stood in the line waiting in anticipation for what was to come I felt like I was finally confronting my future. My hands were clammy, my heart racing, my expression indefinable but at the same time, despite the stress, I am now able to see that part of the nervousness, the unease and concern was an excitement at the thought of becoming a more independent, self-willed person. As a photographer snapped the worst picture ever taken of me for my student card, I smiled forcefully in a nervous, shifty way looking like a hamster caught with it’s cheeks filled with food and my induction to the university was complete. Looking back at that photo now reminds me of all that useless stressing. If I had only taken a breath, smiled naturally and confidently I could have saved myself some embarrassment.

Stress is necessary because it symbolises a challenge. You have never been one to back down on a challenge so endure those uneasy situations because in the future you will have learnt something from them. Take a few more breaths; know that no matter what the situation is, no matter how much pressure you are under, you will make it through. It is never too difficult to seek ways to deal with stress whether it means going to the gym everyday, taking some time to make a friend, talking, laughing and asking for help when you need it. There is support all around you, even in the strangers you will encounter on Friday nights.
Love always,Your more experienced self.

A Letter for Time before the present thats not quite the past...

2008-09-26T14:15:00.001+02:00

Dear Friend…

I write to from a place of understanding, perspective and contentment in my own mind. Your first year has not only been an outward journey but an inward introspective one of learning and maturing. There are countless lessons that you will take with throughout your life from one of the most life altering experiences you have been through, but perhaps the most important are those lessons are the ones that involve your more vulnerable self, lessons of the heart.

For the first time you truly found that someone to connect with and when you had to leave, you couldn't’t say good-bye. Was it a mistake? Probably, but one more worthwhile than you can imagine. Did it hurt? It felt like your insides were being ripped out and heart shattered in a million pieces. Were your actions rational? No, but neither are emotions so deeply felt. I look at a girl who was scared, who was alone, who didn’t know how to fix the damage her good intentions had caused, who wanted nothing more than her dream, her ideology to become a reality. You learnt how to truly Love, how to hurt and finally how to let go.

Retrospectively, don’t just hear what you want to hear but truly listen. Think with your head and your heart, your emotions are irrational and at times foolish, think things through before taking any actions you might regret later. When you know better but your emotions control the show -Breath-. Finally let go and move on, you lost a friend, a lover, a person you were too afraid to loose, but you didn’t loose yourself. The year has been one for growing, maturing and learning. He was the first thought of love you have ever had, it was special and unique, probably the most important. Cherish it, and learn for the next...

‘dolce amor’.

Looking forward to our future
Bridge xxx

Sex and Heart ache

2008-09-26T13:23:00.000+02:00

My dearest friend

I know how much you hate getting your heart broken and you really took your past break up to seriously. I thought I should let you know that you might not necessarily find your soul mate at varsity instead you might just end up with no soul. You will find the perfect guy, good looking, talented, understanding, loving, no wait that’s what he’ll make you believe.

You will melt when you see him; glow when your friends mention his name, the thought of him will make you smile. Oh I can see it already, and one day you will trust him so much as to give him you’re all, yes you will compromise yourself. Then he will reveal his true horrific nature.

You will be thinking to yourself this is not happening; you will find out that you’re carriage his child and he will run for his life…
He won’t even take your calls trust me, all because you did not have safe sex. You will find yourself stressed out and ready to kill yourself, but don’t worry. I’m writing you this letter to enlighten you so you could avoid this from happening. I mean you know how first year is all this freedom and you just want to enjoy every second of it.

While dating can be fun you just don’t want to have to decide on whether you are going to have an abortion while you’re in the middle of your exams, oh no you don’t. You will fell like the world has turned against you and your so called ‘soul mate’ will be carrying on with his life partying, drinking and guess what your friends will even see him with other girls; harsh reality.

Think about what your parents would say if they found out, you better think twice you know. Being heart broken is one thing but being pregnant with a broken heart, while doing your first year at varsity is another, so please take good care of yourself, safe sex is the way to go. Do not be fooled by the charms or how extremely hot a guy is, you just never know what lies beneath the surface, so be careful and don’t forget that your main aim is to get a degree.

Yours in the spirit of true friendship
Ntombi

2008-09-26T13:15:00.000+02:00

GOODBYE FOR NOW...

25 September 2008

Dear Pange…

So the time has come when you need to decide whether or not you are leaving home to further your studies elsewhere – your first option being Rhodes University in a little isolated town. Although you feel as if you are a grown adult now, deep down inside you are probably still ‘mommy’s sweet girl’ that finds herself on a rollercoaster of mixed emotions. Your main concern: learning to say goodbye.

Honestly, this never does get easier irrespective of how many people tell you that it’ll soon become a part of your life which you just learn to accept – you really don’t. Coming from an extremely close family it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye especially after vacations at home, and in saying that it’s just as difficult to say goodbye to the people you grow close to in a place that becomes your new ‘home’. Goodbyes become a significant part of your life and you just have to make sure that from deep within you are strong enough to cope with it – there are many people who aren’t and we watch them crumble and break into pieces.

There are aspects of your life that go hand in hand with saying goodbye and unfortunately these are just things that you have to accept. On a daily basis you will be faced with situations and occurrences that to some extent might make you question your purpose here – being forced into adulthood along with all the responsibilities of living on your ‘own’ – but you have to remember the sacrifices you will make and the things you will give up in order to pursue your dreams. And yes, in the long run everything will be worth it. Just know that deep within, your sacrifices are appreciated and even though you long to watch your baby brother grow up, you are his inspiration and it is this very reason that pushes you to strive for ultimate success and achievement. You shall be you – never give up on your true you!!

With much love, guidance and encouragement,

Angie.