Brief history of the University of Johannesburg
Academic Tribulations and Triumphs
Being a third-year Public Relations and Communication Management student has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Since the first day I set foot on UJ grass, I have had quite an experience. From being sad due to receiving disappointing marks in some modules during my first year to pulling unimaginable academic comebacks, the journey has been mesmerizing. It has taught me life-changing lessons that will stay with me even after graduating. It is often said that the first year of being a university student is a transitional phase of maturing from being a scholar through to becoming a theory course-level student. Having to integrate my learning with new things, such as using online platforms like Blackboard, Canva, Google Docs, Zoom, and a bunch of other websites/platforms, was at first difficult, however, I have since mastered the platforms in my first year.
Personal Growth and Discovery
Outside of academics, I could discover myself and create new relationships, connections, and networks. Immediately after I stepped into university, I was able to declutter my social anxiety and adopt a more ambivert character personality. Ambivert is a Gen Z word that defines a person who identifies themselves as an equal mixture of introvert and extrovert. I have thus been able to place myself out there for the world to see what I’m capable of doing, on social media platforms, as an attempt to influence those who seek to be ambiverts as well. My outreach is currently only on TikTok, as I seek to also venture onto other platforms.
Life on and off campus
Being able to place myself out there for the world to see came at a price: becoming a solo rider. Becoming a solo rider meant going to events and doing almost everything in public, by myself, well, at least activities that societal convention has dictated that they cannot be fun if done solo, such as going to theme parks, attending events alone, finding new and unpopular hobbies such as martial arts, and learning mandarin. On campus, I have been able to join multiple clubs, such as PsyCaD’s UJ(G) Gentlemen’s Club, UNICEF UJ, Technopreneurship Centre, and UJ Confucius Institute, and community engagement. With the UJ Gentlemen's club, I was allowed to be on the campus radio, as seen on the blog's cover page. I am the one on the left-hand side, and lastly, I accumulated 111 hours of CE.
Being part of the UJ’s 20th anniversary
Being part of UJ’s 20th anniversary means that I can also add to the excellence the university has already achieved. Not forgetting that UJ is a world-class university, and me obtaining good marks and ultimately having a fruitful career soon, will raise the university’s reputation along with the other 50,000 students and more doing so. Also, being an active member in the university’s programmes, such as the UJ(G)entlemens club by PsyCaD, which assists in awareness of Men's Mental Health and Well-being. This is also how I give back and contribute to society, as well as play my role in the university's 20th Anniversary. The depicted picture is of our successful Men's Wellness seminar, which took place on the 9th of May 2025 at Doornfontein Campus.
Looking ahead💪😤💥
As I have emphasized, the university elevates my life situation. I hope it continues to thrive and assist many more like me. As I progress in this university journey, I aim to further engage with initiatives on campus, seek mentorship opportunities, and embrace obstacles as a pedestal for growth. To close off, being part of this extraordinary 20th anniversary is something that should not be looked down on. The great Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela once said, and I quote, "Education is the key to success," and I want to remind you, the reader, to always keep these words in your mind.
