To My Little Princess,
You have always been so sheltered and protected from people that were not like you. Remember when your family had made sure that you attended a private, all girls’ institution only so that you would mix with a certain kind of people, they did it to make you “feel safe”. You must know that this is not reality Your Graciousness. The world has so much more variation than what you’re used to. You have been showered with everything you ever wanted and you were not exposed to any hardship that would frighten you or make you understand that life is not as simple as you make it out to be. Before stepping out into this monstrous world, open your mind, open your heart and let your spirit shine.
Your journey here will be filled with colour; no doubt, it will be a phenomenal experience. This begins with the most basic; interaction with people across the gender and race line. Princess, please know that this will be interaction on all levels; eating, working and living. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this once you adapt to it, but this could take you long. What you will experience is somewhat of a culture shock. In this world, you scrape together every bit of recognition you can claim. Just remember, there are many just like you, and there isn’t that much love to go around! I’m not trying to scare you, but “let no one try to crush thy spirit”, as your mum always says.
Lastly, remember you are a delicate flower, not to be tampered with or tainted. Keep your head up high and be strong. Spread your wings, make many different friends and have clean and healthy fun, for that makes this experience a whole lot more worthwhile.
Your guiding star,
Raessa
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Time to think about time...
Hey buddy,
I hope things are going well on your side. Before you carry on doing whatever it is you are doing with your life right now, I’d just like to take a few minutes to give you a bit of a ‘head’s up’ about varsity life. I know you won’t have a problem with homesickness or anything like that, because you have been living on your own for a while and know how to be independent.
Dude, biggest piece of advice I can give you about varsity life – especially first year – is decent time management! That’s what it’s all about in the end. If you can manage your time wisely, and find a good balance between work/academic life and your social life, you’ll cope like a champ.
Many people I know have really felt the heat of shitty time management. Like, they leave assignments for the night before, in which case they rush doing it and then pull together a below-mediocre assignment. So I really can’t stress it enough, plan ahead for assignments and essays because in the end, it makes a massive difference.
Just to give you an example from my point of view, without proper time management I’d never cope with all the stuff going on in my life. First of all, there’s my academics, then a play football bout 3-4 times a week, I got a job in town once a week, and of course I like to chill with mates and party.
So keep focused on how you spend your time my man. Remember, if you work hard, you can play harder.
Anyway, you keep well and regards to the family.
Peace out..
I hope things are going well on your side. Before you carry on doing whatever it is you are doing with your life right now, I’d just like to take a few minutes to give you a bit of a ‘head’s up’ about varsity life. I know you won’t have a problem with homesickness or anything like that, because you have been living on your own for a while and know how to be independent.
Dude, biggest piece of advice I can give you about varsity life – especially first year – is decent time management! That’s what it’s all about in the end. If you can manage your time wisely, and find a good balance between work/academic life and your social life, you’ll cope like a champ.
Many people I know have really felt the heat of shitty time management. Like, they leave assignments for the night before, in which case they rush doing it and then pull together a below-mediocre assignment. So I really can’t stress it enough, plan ahead for assignments and essays because in the end, it makes a massive difference.
Just to give you an example from my point of view, without proper time management I’d never cope with all the stuff going on in my life. First of all, there’s my academics, then a play football bout 3-4 times a week, I got a job in town once a week, and of course I like to chill with mates and party.
So keep focused on how you spend your time my man. Remember, if you work hard, you can play harder.
Anyway, you keep well and regards to the family.
Peace out..
My Declaration of Independence
Dear SelfYou’ll meet him when you’ve just done something utterly embarrassing in a rare display of emotion. He will watch (unnoticed by you), eyes crinkled in amusement while you pound on the closed door of the empty Linguistics department. This attractive specimen of the human race will suppress his laughter while you wail “…you must open the door for my essay!”
After a few more minutes of viewing your frenzied monologue with the sturdy wooden door about the possibility of you losing your DP, he will say something profound to your quivering shoulders. Something like “Let me unlock the door for you before it gets hurt.” Your gushing gratitude towards your knight with shining keys will match his intrigue at the nutcase door abuser and you will naturally decide to get to know each other better over coffee – cue Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love.
Reality check, Self. It hasn’t happened. Mr Mysterious Essay Saviour hasn’t materialised. Admittedly, Future You hasn’t stopped dreaming about it either. You still stare out your window at couples walking down the street holding hands. Celine Dion’s All By Myself or something equally soul-crushing still plays on Algoa FM while you’re doing this. So far you’ve survived being single in the sea of couples on campus. How have you done this, you ask?
When you become impatient waiting for Attractive Specimen to appear, you’ll find that certain thoughts help. Being single means you don’t have to fry your hair with a straightener every day to keep ‘him’ keen. You can also leave residence/digs without wearing make-up if you choose. No need to shave your legs daily either – no one will be getting close enough to notice. No ego-boosting necessary (“yes you do know more about cars than him”) or pretending to enjoy a soccer match when you could be watching 7de Laan. Enjoy single-ness… while it lasts, that is.
Yours always
Future You
How to servive the onslaught of societies!
Hey “Innocent”
Hope that your bags are packed and you are rearing to come to varsity! Having taken that path last year I thought I might tell you an aspect that is never mentioned to first years – that of the conniving societies.
When you arrive, you will undoubtedly be swamped with book loads of leaflets, pamphlets and flyers telling you what you should see, how you should act, where to go and not to waste paper! Amongst this new library, an informational booklet on the societies offered may come to light – if not, look for it. If you can’t find it, don’t worry, I think they were all printed five years ago to provide relief for the ‘O week’ printers for the following ten years. Your best bet is to ask current students what societies they belong to, what societies have good reputations in management, inspiration and yes, cheese and wines!
With this in mind, make a list of what you enjoy doing. Compare this to the list of societies that have been recommended to you. An aspect that societies never mention is that they will suck you dry of your spare cash, and don’t be deceived, they also have the ability to delve into your student account! This, they claim are for t-shirts, but at the rate they go, you could kit out your whole family and still have a surplus. Also, be very weary of the style of the one and only t shirt you might receive (if you are lucky) in the third term. More often than not they seem to be of the fashion which you might encounter in the circus!
At societies evening, all the societies will be enticing. Lists of promises with what they provide, the advantage of joining the exclusive group, the wonderful service you will receive, will all be broken as soon as you write your student number on their Holocaust list. Caution: heed this warning in advance.
Otherwise, all the best. Varsity is the place of great opportunity in every aspect of your life.
Looking forward to seeing you soon, my special friend!
“Been there done that!”
Hope that your bags are packed and you are rearing to come to varsity! Having taken that path last year I thought I might tell you an aspect that is never mentioned to first years – that of the conniving societies.
When you arrive, you will undoubtedly be swamped with book loads of leaflets, pamphlets and flyers telling you what you should see, how you should act, where to go and not to waste paper! Amongst this new library, an informational booklet on the societies offered may come to light – if not, look for it. If you can’t find it, don’t worry, I think they were all printed five years ago to provide relief for the ‘O week’ printers for the following ten years. Your best bet is to ask current students what societies they belong to, what societies have good reputations in management, inspiration and yes, cheese and wines!
With this in mind, make a list of what you enjoy doing. Compare this to the list of societies that have been recommended to you. An aspect that societies never mention is that they will suck you dry of your spare cash, and don’t be deceived, they also have the ability to delve into your student account! This, they claim are for t-shirts, but at the rate they go, you could kit out your whole family and still have a surplus. Also, be very weary of the style of the one and only t shirt you might receive (if you are lucky) in the third term. More often than not they seem to be of the fashion which you might encounter in the circus!
At societies evening, all the societies will be enticing. Lists of promises with what they provide, the advantage of joining the exclusive group, the wonderful service you will receive, will all be broken as soon as you write your student number on their Holocaust list. Caution: heed this warning in advance.
Otherwise, all the best. Varsity is the place of great opportunity in every aspect of your life.
Looking forward to seeing you soon, my special friend!
“Been there done that!”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)