Mamo is a timid, shy girl from a small town of Tabanchu in the middle of the Freestate. We are walking through the Botanical gardens because this is her favorite ‘thinking-spot’ on campus. She laughs and shyly says she has had to come here a lot these past few weeks because of the issues in her life.
Mamo is one of six children and coming to Rhodes was just a privilege only available to her. Mamo’s mother is a domestic worker at a neighboring neighborhood, and her father died ten years ago in a nasty car crash. Mamo is currently on Financial Aid and that is how she is funding her studies. I asked her about her first impressions when she arrived at Rhodes and she honestly admitted that these facilities, the people around this place, the privileges available to us at Rhodes is something new to her. When narrating her life to me she had said:
“I grew up in a small home with a large number of people, my father was not at all supportive and my mother being old fashioned and having not completed school she had no intention of changing the condition until he died in a car crash. Since then it has been hard for her to take care of all of us and provide for our needs. Thanks to NSFAS I could come to Rhodes and I’m grateful as I have learnt a lot and grown personally”.
However, this is not all there is to tell about her life at Rhodes during the year of 2008. When Mamo got to Rhodes she had met certain kinds of friends which she describes as “toxic, influential people.” She elaborated and said when she first met the friends she has now, they were seemingly genuine people who had the same aims in life as she did. Slowly and sadly she realized this friendship she was in was more harm than good to her. When she narrates the story of her friends she has tears in her eyes, her voice quivers and her eyes dart around as if to check if no one is hearing her. When she got to the ‘group’ she had to be initiated by going to EQ and drinking herself to a pulp. She admits that she knew that these were not her kind of people but because they were cool and liked by many, she decided to stay. Gradually she started drinking and smoking as a way of life. She describes as being “sucked in the Rhodent life style”. Mamo started dating a guy from Rhodes and things accelerated to a point of climax way too quickly and before she knew it, the innocent girl from Tabanchu was gone and she had lost her virginity. Mamo’s life started to spiral out of control because she fell pregnant and was forced by her friends and her new boyfriend to have an abortion. She then had a terrible time at the hospital because she had complications with her procedure. When Mamo talks about her experience she breaks down and cries and we have to stop the interview.
The next day we conduct the interview in her res room at Helen Joseph. The room is simple and has the bare necessities. She is nervous and she keeps standing up and walking around the room like nothing is wrong. Being herself, she doesn’t let her problems out in the open and she locks a whole lot of baggage inside and pulls off a smile confidently all the time. We continue talking about her life at Rhodes. She sadly tells me her academic progress and sadly says: “I am failing my first year”. When I ask her to elaborate more she says she hasn’t been pulling her weight and failing is a possibility.
Reflecting on Mamo’s story one would think she had a difficult life and her first year is a total write off, but one need to look at the lessons she has learnt, the obstacles she has overcome and realize that Mamo has done a lot of growing up. One would also realize that there is no manual for surviving your first year at Rhodes or any other institution for that matter. She closed off the interview by saying: “ one needs to be true to one’s self before trying to impress others.”
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Saint in the City of Sin
It’s a cold Thursday evening and after days of begging my fellow res-mate to let me interview her she finally obliges. After receiving a pop-up Gtalk text vigilantly commanding to “get it over and done with”, a sudden feeling of excitement emerges. This is probably because this is the ultimate down-to-earth first year who has not only been aloof, but also very wise in her ways of life. The interest in this amazing young lady grew after months of endless partying, resulting in lost keys and chips, only to have her open the door in very ‘ungodly’ hours. So the question is, how has she managed to stay grounded and simultaneously sane in this crazy life of University?
Bongeka Mazibuko hails from Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is the last born of two children, raised by parents who were exiles in the apartheid struggle and born again at the age of 12 she has dedicated her life to God and His ways. “When I arrived at Rhodes, I was so sure I wouldn’t fall on the way-side of life. My friends and family had warned me of Rhodes’ infamous reputation of wild partying and the extensive and unhealthy drinking habits, but I wanted to prove everyone wrong-that I would not be a Rhodes stereo-type.”
Lying comfortable in her bed, dressed in pyjama’s and a sweater written, “God Saves!” it is clear where this girl stands. Her room is dark with just the desk lamp alight, her notice board is cluttered with photographs of loved ones, biblical quotes and her busy timetable. Her linen is beige and cream, her shelves are adorned with blue precious stones and scented candles and a calming Pure Moods playlist creates a tranquil environment. This is her sanctuary. “I take attention to detail, I hate cluttered spaces and I aim to create an environment that is conducive to my studies, besides I don’t go out much so I might as well make my room as homely as possible.” Bongeka, a first-year BA Law student says she decided to study at Rhodes because she had never been away from home and didn’t want to study in a fast-paced city like Johannesburg and Cape Town never appealed to her. She also wanted the best Law degree in the country and she knew that a Rhodes Law degree would take her places.
So what makes her so aloof and reserved? “I’ve always been different, I spent too much time studying and heading many committees in school that I simply had no time to socialise. My week-ends were dedicated to church youth services and community work.” Bongeka goes on to share her experiences of working in a soup kitchen back home and how rewarding and humbling that was.
Bongeka has earned the reputation of being an “Ice Queen”, but in the last months students have realised she actually is fun and has many stories to tell. She often interrupts with child-like giggles and chuckles as she finds it very interesting that someone would want to hear about her life at Rhodes. “I thought I was the ‘geek’” she regretfully comments, but I make her aware that she in fact is our hero, we have seen her remain herself amidst the chaos of University life. She proudly smiles and goes on to quote her favourite verse whilst pointing to it on her wall, “even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40 v 30-31) A sudden pride emulates from her face as she explains that it hasn’t been easy remaining herself, but gives the credit to her parents and their teachings. “My parents’ words of wisdom constantly linger in my head and their example has been extremely instrumental in my character.” She tells that there were tempting times when people would invite her to Equilibrium or Olde 65 and once even succumbed because she didn’t want to disappoint them. “It was horrible. There were drunk people acting like fools and I just didn’t belong there.” Her face turns gloomy as she reflects on that experience that taught her never to compromise again. “I have parents who are God-fearing who never associated themselves with people that weren’t a good influence.”
Judging by the lifestyles of most Rhodent’s it would seem that there were no other ways of enjoying the Rhodes experience, but Bongeka begs to argue. “ I have established friendships with girls and even guys who don’t go clubbing or drink and we have lots of fun,” she joyfully tells of what they get up to in Grahamstown, “We love movies and we’ve created this ritual of watching one movie a month at Roxbury and we’ve called this ‘Cinema Nouvea’.” We also enjoy the chocolate brownies and Oreo milkshakes they serve at the Red Cafe and Fridays are very exciting when we meet at the SCO (Student Christian Organisation) for reviving praise and worship and sharing of the Word of God.
It appears that Bongeka is having a wonderful experience and after an hour of hearing what she has to say, not only am I deeply evoked at a level of spiritual consciousness, but am proud to see a young lady living an honourable life against the odds of temptation and peer pressure.
Bongeka Mazibuko hails from Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is the last born of two children, raised by parents who were exiles in the apartheid struggle and born again at the age of 12 she has dedicated her life to God and His ways. “When I arrived at Rhodes, I was so sure I wouldn’t fall on the way-side of life. My friends and family had warned me of Rhodes’ infamous reputation of wild partying and the extensive and unhealthy drinking habits, but I wanted to prove everyone wrong-that I would not be a Rhodes stereo-type.”
Lying comfortable in her bed, dressed in pyjama’s and a sweater written, “God Saves!” it is clear where this girl stands. Her room is dark with just the desk lamp alight, her notice board is cluttered with photographs of loved ones, biblical quotes and her busy timetable. Her linen is beige and cream, her shelves are adorned with blue precious stones and scented candles and a calming Pure Moods playlist creates a tranquil environment. This is her sanctuary. “I take attention to detail, I hate cluttered spaces and I aim to create an environment that is conducive to my studies, besides I don’t go out much so I might as well make my room as homely as possible.” Bongeka, a first-year BA Law student says she decided to study at Rhodes because she had never been away from home and didn’t want to study in a fast-paced city like Johannesburg and Cape Town never appealed to her. She also wanted the best Law degree in the country and she knew that a Rhodes Law degree would take her places.
So what makes her so aloof and reserved? “I’ve always been different, I spent too much time studying and heading many committees in school that I simply had no time to socialise. My week-ends were dedicated to church youth services and community work.” Bongeka goes on to share her experiences of working in a soup kitchen back home and how rewarding and humbling that was.
Bongeka has earned the reputation of being an “Ice Queen”, but in the last months students have realised she actually is fun and has many stories to tell. She often interrupts with child-like giggles and chuckles as she finds it very interesting that someone would want to hear about her life at Rhodes. “I thought I was the ‘geek’” she regretfully comments, but I make her aware that she in fact is our hero, we have seen her remain herself amidst the chaos of University life. She proudly smiles and goes on to quote her favourite verse whilst pointing to it on her wall, “even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40 v 30-31) A sudden pride emulates from her face as she explains that it hasn’t been easy remaining herself, but gives the credit to her parents and their teachings. “My parents’ words of wisdom constantly linger in my head and their example has been extremely instrumental in my character.” She tells that there were tempting times when people would invite her to Equilibrium or Olde 65 and once even succumbed because she didn’t want to disappoint them. “It was horrible. There were drunk people acting like fools and I just didn’t belong there.” Her face turns gloomy as she reflects on that experience that taught her never to compromise again. “I have parents who are God-fearing who never associated themselves with people that weren’t a good influence.”
Judging by the lifestyles of most Rhodent’s it would seem that there were no other ways of enjoying the Rhodes experience, but Bongeka begs to argue. “ I have established friendships with girls and even guys who don’t go clubbing or drink and we have lots of fun,” she joyfully tells of what they get up to in Grahamstown, “We love movies and we’ve created this ritual of watching one movie a month at Roxbury and we’ve called this ‘Cinema Nouvea’.” We also enjoy the chocolate brownies and Oreo milkshakes they serve at the Red Cafe and Fridays are very exciting when we meet at the SCO (Student Christian Organisation) for reviving praise and worship and sharing of the Word of God.
It appears that Bongeka is having a wonderful experience and after an hour of hearing what she has to say, not only am I deeply evoked at a level of spiritual consciousness, but am proud to see a young lady living an honourable life against the odds of temptation and peer pressure.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Profile
Tim Cordon-Lloyd faces me idly while clumsily fumbling his pen between his thumb and his forefinger. With rhythmical intensity he restlessly clicks the nib in and out, constantly tapping the head of the pen against the cracked wooden arm rest of his chair. Although his exterior may be unsettled and distracted it helps nothing towards reading the man behind his un-aiding stare. There is no hint of stress or anxiety behind his deceptively calm blue eyes. It doesn’t take much time to figure out that Tim is a man of few problems and even fewer worries about those problems.
“Definitely not”. The short succinct phrase is as much an expression of his character as it is a summation of his attitude towards his degree. Although his response is cursory, it is by no means an inaccurate reflection of his disposition. Like many, Tim was attracted to Rhodes University to study journalism, and like almost as many, when asked as to whether he intended to take his degree to a second year of study, his reply is a simple “definitely not”. Tim doesn’t fill the ensuing silence with any aids or hints to understanding his reasoning; he has made it plainly clear that his convictions do not require anybody else’s verification or approval, his parents included. “My mom is not that phased about it, if all goes according to plan I have other majors that I can do” He takes a moment to reflect and then adds, “even though I came here to do journ she’s not fussed that I’m dropping it.” Tim joins a mass statistic of first year journalism drops outs. The same eager first years who held the strongest convictions of their intentions to complete a journalism degree at Rhodes, now hold equally strong convictions of laughing off the credit as soon as the chance presents itself. The reasons for this are many, but amongst these there seems to be a common trend of opinion, one which Tim himself subscribes to. “I don’t know. I just feel like I’ve been wasting my time. And I don’t at all regret coming to Rhodes, but it feels like up to this point that the work has been pointless. It’s like doing hours and hours of work that I could have just as easily have done in school, I get the impression that it’s like I’m working for the sake of it.” Tim is the archetypal first year journalism drop out. Disillusioned and eager to move on, it seems there isn’t much that could change his mind.
But why is it like this? As a student who has taken journalism for near 8 months, Tim’s advice is certainly indispensable on the topic of surviving first year. “Any advice to survive first year that I could give? Probably not to get your hopes up. You can’t come to Rhodes with a Romantic’s idea of journalism, and if you decided to study journalism because you’re a good writer then you’re definitely in it for the wrong reasons. It doesn’t actually have much to do with writing”. Tim further commented that if you ever felt like you were wasting your time then you were no different to him. Although his cynicism may be a deterrent to oblivious future students, this by no means makes it any less of a helpful survival aid. “There actually isn’t much I can say. You have to try it out for yourself; there are people who love journ. I’m just not one of them.” As to whether he could venture a reason for this chasm between the lovers and the haters Tim doesn’t know, he can however venture a reason as to why the latter outweighs the former. “People arrive with expectations that are too high. When you expect something amazing and you end up with anything less, disappointment is bound to follow.”
“Definitely not”. The short succinct phrase is as much an expression of his character as it is a summation of his attitude towards his degree. Although his response is cursory, it is by no means an inaccurate reflection of his disposition. Like many, Tim was attracted to Rhodes University to study journalism, and like almost as many, when asked as to whether he intended to take his degree to a second year of study, his reply is a simple “definitely not”. Tim doesn’t fill the ensuing silence with any aids or hints to understanding his reasoning; he has made it plainly clear that his convictions do not require anybody else’s verification or approval, his parents included. “My mom is not that phased about it, if all goes according to plan I have other majors that I can do” He takes a moment to reflect and then adds, “even though I came here to do journ she’s not fussed that I’m dropping it.” Tim joins a mass statistic of first year journalism drops outs. The same eager first years who held the strongest convictions of their intentions to complete a journalism degree at Rhodes, now hold equally strong convictions of laughing off the credit as soon as the chance presents itself. The reasons for this are many, but amongst these there seems to be a common trend of opinion, one which Tim himself subscribes to. “I don’t know. I just feel like I’ve been wasting my time. And I don’t at all regret coming to Rhodes, but it feels like up to this point that the work has been pointless. It’s like doing hours and hours of work that I could have just as easily have done in school, I get the impression that it’s like I’m working for the sake of it.” Tim is the archetypal first year journalism drop out. Disillusioned and eager to move on, it seems there isn’t much that could change his mind.
But why is it like this? As a student who has taken journalism for near 8 months, Tim’s advice is certainly indispensable on the topic of surviving first year. “Any advice to survive first year that I could give? Probably not to get your hopes up. You can’t come to Rhodes with a Romantic’s idea of journalism, and if you decided to study journalism because you’re a good writer then you’re definitely in it for the wrong reasons. It doesn’t actually have much to do with writing”. Tim further commented that if you ever felt like you were wasting your time then you were no different to him. Although his cynicism may be a deterrent to oblivious future students, this by no means makes it any less of a helpful survival aid. “There actually isn’t much I can say. You have to try it out for yourself; there are people who love journ. I’m just not one of them.” As to whether he could venture a reason for this chasm between the lovers and the haters Tim doesn’t know, he can however venture a reason as to why the latter outweighs the former. “People arrive with expectations that are too high. When you expect something amazing and you end up with anything less, disappointment is bound to follow.”
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Obstacle-basher Survivor
She is a very brave, active, fun and a people’s person. She is a brave girl who loves to smile and loves being happy all the time and yet hurt easily. *Puleng had so many expectations about varsity; she ultimately thought that lectures would be a great help than they are now. “I honestly didn’t think that it was gonna be a man for himself typa thing,” she said. Showing a wide smile she told me how she thought she would finally have independence now that she is away from the watchful eyes of her parents. “There’s nothing that pains as much as not being able to do what I wanna do, not that I wanna be reckless or anything,” *Puleng says with a rather mischievous smile.
When *Puleng first set her feet in varsity what immediately crossed her inquisitive mind was “no more high school…varsity here I come.” She refers to the varsity’s rules as unnecessary. “My God, inter-res visiting…fells like I’m back in high school.” *Puleng pulls her legs up on bed and sighs deeply before she continues detailing her varsity expectations as a first year. She then gets up and gets herself a glass of juice and offers me one. She further states why she does not understand the idea of restricted rules at university. She expressed her views on this matter in an angrily mood with her hair fringe hiding her left eyebrow, “we’re here to further our education standards and not to be looked after and no, I’m not being naïve,” she said.
Puleng clears her throat as she prepares to lay her academic encounters in the first term of her arrival. Smiling, she tells me of how it was difficult for her to find her feet and not just go with the flow. Her friends say that she is a very committed student and that she’s the type of a person who likes to see to it that things get done on time. “I’m so not a last minute person; I give my work my all but Politics bro…eish,” she says shaking her head vigorously. Her first 101 and 102 politics tests were her academic lows so far and she strongly feels that she “can always make up in exams. Her academic highs were passing her two majors in exams. “It showed that I got my eyes on these two subjects.”
It’s true that we don’t always get what we want or that things don’t always go the way we want them to. This is what *Puleng’s character portrayed immediately after she started reciting the predicaments that she thought would be permanent hindrances to happiness. She pulls a serious or saddened face when asked about her social highlights. A couple minutes filled with silence pass by. “I’ve been hurt many times and each time I think about it pains me really hard, ok maybe the beginning would be ideal,” she said in a lingering voice.
She wishes her mother had cautioned her about heart breakers coz now she doesn’t see herself giving her heart to anyone just like that. “This is the story of my life, I met this guy that I liked so much it’s nobody’s business and I thought he felt the same way about me but I was so wrong it hurts. He would invite me to his room only to start an inadequate argument over stupid things, but I would there anyway coz he had gotten under my skin I just couldn’t stop loving him,” she grabs a handkerchief and quickly wipes tires as they descend on her chubby chicks. “I had to leave him because I could see he was only using me, gosh…he loved knowing that he had someone or something to distress him. I know it sounds as a norm but it was extremely juggling everything at once because I was preparing for exams when I realised this,” tears uncontrollably run down her face as she pours her heart out.
“I’m still astonished at how I managed to get over him; I still love him to beats though. I so wish my mom would have warned me about heartbreakers,” she says with a smile filled with sadness and anger.
When *Puleng first set her feet in varsity what immediately crossed her inquisitive mind was “no more high school…varsity here I come.” She refers to the varsity’s rules as unnecessary. “My God, inter-res visiting…fells like I’m back in high school.” *Puleng pulls her legs up on bed and sighs deeply before she continues detailing her varsity expectations as a first year. She then gets up and gets herself a glass of juice and offers me one. She further states why she does not understand the idea of restricted rules at university. She expressed her views on this matter in an angrily mood with her hair fringe hiding her left eyebrow, “we’re here to further our education standards and not to be looked after and no, I’m not being naïve,” she said.
Puleng clears her throat as she prepares to lay her academic encounters in the first term of her arrival. Smiling, she tells me of how it was difficult for her to find her feet and not just go with the flow. Her friends say that she is a very committed student and that she’s the type of a person who likes to see to it that things get done on time. “I’m so not a last minute person; I give my work my all but Politics bro…eish,” she says shaking her head vigorously. Her first 101 and 102 politics tests were her academic lows so far and she strongly feels that she “can always make up in exams. Her academic highs were passing her two majors in exams. “It showed that I got my eyes on these two subjects.”
It’s true that we don’t always get what we want or that things don’t always go the way we want them to. This is what *Puleng’s character portrayed immediately after she started reciting the predicaments that she thought would be permanent hindrances to happiness. She pulls a serious or saddened face when asked about her social highlights. A couple minutes filled with silence pass by. “I’ve been hurt many times and each time I think about it pains me really hard, ok maybe the beginning would be ideal,” she said in a lingering voice.
She wishes her mother had cautioned her about heart breakers coz now she doesn’t see herself giving her heart to anyone just like that. “This is the story of my life, I met this guy that I liked so much it’s nobody’s business and I thought he felt the same way about me but I was so wrong it hurts. He would invite me to his room only to start an inadequate argument over stupid things, but I would there anyway coz he had gotten under my skin I just couldn’t stop loving him,” she grabs a handkerchief and quickly wipes tires as they descend on her chubby chicks. “I had to leave him because I could see he was only using me, gosh…he loved knowing that he had someone or something to distress him. I know it sounds as a norm but it was extremely juggling everything at once because I was preparing for exams when I realised this,” tears uncontrollably run down her face as she pours her heart out.
“I’m still astonished at how I managed to get over him; I still love him to beats though. I so wish my mom would have warned me about heartbreakers,” she says with a smile filled with sadness and anger.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The surviving survivor
With his shiny sneakers and his falling pants, he walks as if he is walking on the trampoline. “You got to make it quick man, because I need to be at the law library by six o’clock.” Those are the words by a 20 year old Tendai Foya as we enter his messed up room for the interview.
“University sucks”, says Tendai as he walks towards the sink kicking the coffee mug on the floor. “The only time I have to clean up my room is the weekend”, he explains with the grin on his face. He clears his throat and scratches his hair. “If I happen to fail this year, my dad would eat me alive”, shaking his head as he explains how hard his family is struggling for the better of his future.
“I can’t wait for the weekend to begin”, he says with the smile. He throws his big file on the bed, and as he extracts some books to go with, he continues with the talking. “Here at Rhodes I have leant that you have to both party hard and study hard.” The smell of alcohol is a habit in this room, and the bottles are located in each and every corner. He picks up the brown Hennessey Vodka bottle and places it on his chest. “This is my girlfriend”, he giggles. “The funny thing is that I only started drinking here at Rhodes, but I think I cannot copy without it now.” You can tell from the smile on his face that he enjoy what he is talking about. It’s amazing how the student like him can get all firsts in the entire five subjects on June exams. This alcohol inherited by peer pressure, has became the greatest tool for his first year survival.
His cell phone rings and he then replies, “Not tonight bro, for sure tomorrow”. Tendai makes sure that he avoids going out on weekdays. “I lost my DP last term, and now that I got it back, I’m not going to let it go. Rhodes is a very strict University, so I don’t take chances.” He speaks and elaborates using gestures as he is up and down in the room. Like other students, Tendai also have a so called ‘home sickness’. “Although I have all the freedom that I need, but I miss my Zimbabwe”. He puts the books in the bag and put his bad on his back as a sign that he is ready to go.
Many students when they come to Varsity they change their lifestyle and that negatively affects their academic performance. Tendai is a hero, because even though he got hooked up by alcohol, he still manages to get his schoolwork up to date. “First term was a bit hectic, having to adjust to the new environment, without my family and friends.” Ranging from the first term up until now, Tendai has improved well academically. “I love Rhodes and I don’t see myself attending other institution,” he adds. “Now I am holding the last breath for the exams and I am confident. As long as my sweetheart is here,” he kisses his Hennessey Vodka bottle as he goes to open the door, both of us laughing.
“University sucks”, says Tendai as he walks towards the sink kicking the coffee mug on the floor. “The only time I have to clean up my room is the weekend”, he explains with the grin on his face. He clears his throat and scratches his hair. “If I happen to fail this year, my dad would eat me alive”, shaking his head as he explains how hard his family is struggling for the better of his future.
“I can’t wait for the weekend to begin”, he says with the smile. He throws his big file on the bed, and as he extracts some books to go with, he continues with the talking. “Here at Rhodes I have leant that you have to both party hard and study hard.” The smell of alcohol is a habit in this room, and the bottles are located in each and every corner. He picks up the brown Hennessey Vodka bottle and places it on his chest. “This is my girlfriend”, he giggles. “The funny thing is that I only started drinking here at Rhodes, but I think I cannot copy without it now.” You can tell from the smile on his face that he enjoy what he is talking about. It’s amazing how the student like him can get all firsts in the entire five subjects on June exams. This alcohol inherited by peer pressure, has became the greatest tool for his first year survival.
His cell phone rings and he then replies, “Not tonight bro, for sure tomorrow”. Tendai makes sure that he avoids going out on weekdays. “I lost my DP last term, and now that I got it back, I’m not going to let it go. Rhodes is a very strict University, so I don’t take chances.” He speaks and elaborates using gestures as he is up and down in the room. Like other students, Tendai also have a so called ‘home sickness’. “Although I have all the freedom that I need, but I miss my Zimbabwe”. He puts the books in the bag and put his bad on his back as a sign that he is ready to go.
Many students when they come to Varsity they change their lifestyle and that negatively affects their academic performance. Tendai is a hero, because even though he got hooked up by alcohol, he still manages to get his schoolwork up to date. “First term was a bit hectic, having to adjust to the new environment, without my family and friends.” Ranging from the first term up until now, Tendai has improved well academically. “I love Rhodes and I don’t see myself attending other institution,” he adds. “Now I am holding the last breath for the exams and I am confident. As long as my sweetheart is here,” he kisses his Hennessey Vodka bottle as he goes to open the door, both of us laughing.
Friday, October 3, 2008
DESPARADOS?
University, sounds too good a word a ryt? Yep it does, until you get here and meet new people. Nothing wrong about meetig new people,actually it depends on how you meet and what u think or feel about/ for them. This is my first year and the things that I see here, feels like i'm on ma second year already.Things that girls do here are tremendously devastating and guys here only get what they want and when they're done wit it,they throw it in the rubbish-bin like trash. That...is the saddest thing ever. But then again, guys only see what girls want them 2 see. That is desparados, and if u dn't knw by now,clearly u haven't been to varsity.This is a place where mommy's gal becomes a gal jst not yet a woman, but still she won't stop until she gets it or rather HIM. You tell yourself that you only gonna be a one man woman.You get to varsity,there is no man to make u that one man woman... and this is where it all starts. You start having a crush on some boy that you know very well you never gonna get 'cause he's 'hooked' or he's just way outta your league (you think). You start going out (only to see him or put your plan into action.He comes and chats with you and you get the idea (he's in 2 u). Not really! He was just being friendly, actually he doesn't even know you're eyeing him. Sad isn't it? He notices u're in to him (only after his friends told him so).They talk about you,put their plans down and they strategize. U're now officially the bait. They're in to you but still, u think he's in to you. They play their game very well and Boom....you're in their trap and once u're there, there's no coming back. Sometimes us gals just give to them boys, I don't know whether it is love, lust or just outta desparation. Watcha gotta say?
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