My name is Akhona Kelemi from the Eastern Cape in Port Elizabeth now known as Gqeberha. I remember leaving the Eastern Cape with big bags headed to Johannesburg to unlock my dreams. I was filled with so much excitement and nervousness at the same time. I remember my longest bus trip like it was yesterday. I was filled with mixed emotions as I was about to start a new life far away from home without my friends and family. The only thing that comforted me was remembering the dreams I had and my purpose of leaving home. When I got to Johannesburg, I could not contain the excitement of being a student in one of the great Universities in the city of gold.
I kept replaying it in my head that I was admitted to the university of my choice, and I chose it because I believed that it could provide me with a quality education. On my first day of school, I got up early in the morning due to improper sleep during the previous night. It was due to the anxiety to start fresh with my new life. Due to not wanting to get to school late, I was an hour earlier to attend. The minute I set foot on campus; it was buzzing. I remember seeing people being dropped off by their families, and some students being excited about seeing each other and catching up. It was a beautiful sight to watch, and it gave me the hope that I would also soon make friends and enjoy my time at school.
It was time to find my class, I was lost as I was not familiar with the campus yet, I saw a lady who was wearing a T-shirt with the University logo and approached her. Before I could start talking, I was slightly confused about which language to address her with because I was used to speaking my home language especially when I was nervous. I spoke in English, and she responded in Sotho, I had to explain to her that I did not understand the language and she then explained and directed me in English. As I was walking to class, I was very nervous and hoped that I wouldn’t struggle to adapt because of the different languages spoken.
When I got to class, I just walked and sat next to a very kind and nice girl, I asked her if I was in the right class, we both laughed and she said yes and right there I made a friend, still is to date. When the lecturer came to introduce himself and the module, everything started to feel real. We introduced ourselves and everything went smoothly as it was not a very big class for that module. It was so exciting going to all my classes, getting the study guides, and finding out about the material we would need. After a few of the classes, we had an hour gap before the next class. Because I never attended orientation, I asked my new friend to show me around campus, to at least see the library, lab, and the student center, and told her that I would figure out the rest later.
My first day at school was nice and was not as bad as I had imagined. Even though my friend and I were of 2 different ethnic groups, we communicated in English and told each other that we would learn each other’s home languages. My advice to those who will be starting University, attend orientation week. That week is important to get you to familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Attending orientation week prepares you to know what to expect and what is expected of you as a student. It is also important to go to university with a positive attitude that you will make it. The first few weeks are hard to adapt, with speed and the amount of work that is covered in a short space of time. It is important to bring you’re A game and make sure to listen attentively so as not to miss any instructions given in class as they are very important. Set high personal academic standards for yourself and live up to them. Lastly, talk to your lecturers, ask them questions, they are there for you.