Goodbye Stellenbosch
This year has been absolutely fantastic. Actually the last 5 years. There are so many memories made in this short 5 years and today I can say I'm done with my studies but the memories I made with my dearest friends are something I'll cherish forever.
I'm feeling a little wretched in a way because this 2nd graduation means that a chapter in my book of life has come to an end, I could rather describe this feeling as nostalgic. But on the other hand an exciting new chapter is about to start, one so erratic and mysterious that most people are scared of it.
I started my university career in 2010, as a young ignorant Mademoiselle who didn’t know if the course she’s was about to study was in fact the right one. Today I still don't have the answer today. As a freshman I started out being small, insignificant and lost in this unfamiliar student town. I hardly ever thought of who I wanted to become or what my goals were. I did what was expected of me and although I never knew how much time is required to successfully finish my studies I managed to find that balance in my last exam of first year. My father always used to say: “You will find out how much you should study and how much you can party after your first exam". These wise words were true. I had it figured out by my second exam. Thinking back it is rather fascinating how you change in half a decade.
In my spare time I met my closest friends. We built inseparable bonds and made indescribable memories together. We had so many bucket list items that just had to be ticked off and we did tick off a lot of them, like eating ice cream in the Merriman circle in Stellenbosch and swimming in the Coetzenburg dam. They were always keen for a little fun. We also had our combats and our differences but those never stopped us from being loyal to one another and support each other. I also lost some friends but that's how life is. You win some you loose some. My university life was organized around these people. They were the people I could call family away from home.
I became a woman in the time I spent at University. I have learnt some things the hard way others the easier way and I can truly say I have developed into a woman who is goal driven and fight to achieve them. I learnt how to handle conflict, when to fight and when to let go, be I learnt how to be gentle but not soft and how to stand up for yourself, be fierce but not insensitive. I learnt how to love for the right reasons and not for the wrong. I learnt how to see and concentrate on the strengths of people and not their weaknesses. I learnt how to be a better leader, listener and to speak when necessary. There is so many other qualities that books nor people can teach you but circumstances weave these lessons everyday things like a simple walk to class.
I was privileged to be able to attend the oldest university in South Africa and being in a world-class university. With it’s hot summer days and its green oak tree shadows and squirrels collecting acorns preparing for the winter months in the summer to the warm colors of autumn that warns you winter is on its way to another type of rainy colorless beauty in winter, it stunts you when you realize how this picturesque place changes from one magnificent view to another and how privileged you actually are. It's absolutely marvelous to be able to walk out with 2 qualifications. My undergrad was hard but all was worthwhile when I did my education certificate. Picking the fruits for my hard work is an everlasting great experience. It was a chilled year but nonetheless necessary. I’ve learnt so much from the people in my class and my new friends. The experience was enriching from day one. Although really boring at times, the people made it worthwhile.
I just want to use this time to say thanks to my mother and father who supported me so much throughout my high school career and through my university days. Who was always there for me even in the hardest times but also shared the joys of being a student with me. I want to thank them for giving me the opportunities that gave me new perceptions and knowledge. For loving me unconditionally and giving me so many hugs, kisses and cuddles in the most unbearable times as well as in the celebrations. Thank you Mom and Dad for giving me so much. I love you guys.
