My Brain's Tired but My Story's Fire: Year 2 Feels.

Being a student at the University of Johannesburg on its 20th anniversary is becoming a part of history! Read around my thoughts on the victories, lessons, and chuckles I have had thus far in my UJ adventure.

Every time I reflect on my experience at the University of Johannesburg, I am overcome with pride and thankfulness. Twenty years have passed since UJ's founding in 2005(yes, UJ is old enough to rent a car), twenty years of academic excellence, social influence and change. This significant event is a celebration of advancement, opportunity, and people rather than merely years. UJ@20 represents a path of self-discovery, cognitive empowerment, and positivity for my future as a UJ student. Renowned for its dedication to academic innovation, inclusivity and transformation, UJ has developed into a place where futures are shaped, and inspirations are fostered.

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE.

Being a part of UJ's 20th birthday makes me proud and a little starstruck, I mean who would not be? A few students can say their uni is celebrating a milestone while they are still attempting to pass semester tests. Like ours as students, UJ's journey has been filled with development, bold decisions and overcoming setbacks. UJ is not simply talking the talk; it's practicing it, innovative ways, from addressing important issues like social justices and colonialism to having excellent research laboratories. Through initiatives like 4IR, we are essentially living in the future rather than only preparing for it. 

PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC GROWTH: THE JOURNEY WITHIN

When I got to UJ, I was this shy and insecure student not knowing anything my course was about except I was just excited to have finally gotten out of the province and being the first one in my family made it even more thrilling. As expected, attending classes changed everything, but the first few days felt like a rollercoaster minus the fun of course. Even for me, who was literally on the verge of losing it, the lectures' patience, clarity and ability to make everything less difficult was impressive. After a few weeks, my confidence gradually increased then I began forming friendships, yes, the introvert made friends.

In the best way possible, UJ has also challenged me academically. I have discovered that confusion is a necessary part of the process, from critically thinking to asking questions without fear. One assignment at a time, UJ is helping me not only improve but thrive.

UJ'S DEDICATION TO SOCIAL IMPACT AND THE COMMUNITY

The University of Johannesburg's dedication to social responsibility and community development is one of its best features. As a supporter of engagement, UJ is committed to achieving contact with the community as embedded in its vision, which embraces the advancement of freedom, democracy, equality, and human dignity. It is evident through the application of its human capital in adding value to external groups by entering strategic contractual partnerships and relationships that are mutually beneficial to the University community, as well as the broader external communities which extend to Gauteng, the country as a whole and the SADC region.

My favourite experience at UJ has to be participating in outreach activities, which include tutoring students, visiting underfunded schools, and encouraging young people to pursue their dreams and start their own businesses. These encounters made me realise that education is about bringing about change, not just passing tests. At UJ, we are not just students, we are encouraged to be active citizens. The university's motto, 'Education is our weapon for change', is not just printed on banners, it is something we live out every day, both on and off campus.

LOOKING AHEAD: MY HOPE'S FOR UJ'S FUTURE

The University of Johannesburg has launched its highly anticipated Strategic Plan 2035, an ambitious roadmap designed to navigate the future of education while deepening its societal impact. Officially unveiled at Sanlam Auditorium on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus on Tuesday, 08 October 2024, this transformative strategy places UJ at the forefront of sustainability, innovation and global collaboration. Aligned with the United Nations Development Sustainable Goals (SDGs), the Strategic Plan 2035 reaffirms UJ's commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and access to quality education.

It would be wonderful to see UJ further grow its global reach through collaborative research, global partnerships and student exchanges. I hope the institution keeps funding career readiness initiatives, accessibility for students from all backgrounds, and mental health support for the students because we all go through a lot all in the name of a degree or diploma, but it all pays off in the end waking up Mr. West and all, if you know what I mean. 

GRATITUDE AND CELEBRATION.

There is more to UJ@20 than only commemorating the university's milestone. It is an acknowledgement of our progress and growth as a team. It is a tale of human potential, inventiveness and persistence. Being a UJ student makes me feel proud. I am beyond appreciative of the development, connections and sense of direction this university has provided for me. As we commemorate UJ's twentieth birthday, I am confident that I will live out the rest of my days with knowledge, principles and experiences I have acquired here.

A BIG SHOUTOUT TO THE ORANGE UNIVERSITY!!!!