Good Times

How to keep it real in Varsity

Friday, September 26, 2008


Dear Rose
So you made it out of high school and straight to university you went, right after the pit stop you made at college. You are probably thinking what an amazing waist of time that was. But hey, if you think about in depth, it was a blessing in disguise. The time you oh so ‘waisted’ at college enabled you to refer to yourself as a Rhodent. Besides you have many friends back home who would kill for the opportunity of being in university, so be grateful.

Now let me fill you in with the general things I feel you might face. Varsity life is not what you think it is it is a whole lot different I tell you. No one reminds you that you have assignments to hand in, or readings to prepare for, and no… they do not take register, so whether you make it to lectures or not, it is your own loss or maybe even your gain, unless if you are an aspiring lawyer. You face real political, religious and sexual issues. Where you meet people like Suzie who arrive at Rhodes being virgins and ‘staunch Christians’, only to leave Rhodes having degrees in ‘Equilibrium’ or better yet ‘Friars’ and have been ‘laid’ during O-week for crying out loud. Ntombenhle who signed up for all the societies she has ever dreamt of, and thinks it is okay to do so only because her friend is adventurous and only has a dog as a sibling. The difference between them is, her friends father is loaded… well being CEO for Unilever he must be. And she has five brothers and four sister who are all still under her parents care, so she has to go easy on that financial aid. Tshepo tries so hard to adapt to varsity and pulls the whole fitting in stunt by playing rugby, when he knows very well that black people are born into soccer or nothing, and being like him growing up in Soweto playing soccer with a tennis ball was the best way. Sthembile, who has probably never used a shower before and the boys at his res seem to be having a good laugh about it, well it is not his fault the Waskom did his family justice.

Basically what I am tying to say is that you are privileged enough to have someone like me to warn you about things like these. Do not laugh at Suzie instead take her to church with you once and she might get back on track. Invite Ntombenhle over for supper at your place when it is society sign up evening, trust me she would appreciate it. Buy Tshepo a soccer ball kicking oval balls is not his idea of enjoying sports. And all Sthembile needs is a little white lie, all he needs is someone to laugh at for a change. Rose my dear many enrol only to be excluded and have their DP’s taken away. The secret to conquering Varsity is trusting in Him who has had mercy on you and showered you with His grace. And remember those who leave everything in God’s hand will learn to see God’s hand as everything. Janis Joplin says, "Don’t compromise yourself. You’re all you’ve got".
Your Loving Better Half
Nomzamo

0 comments: