Coming from a homogenous background and entering a multifaceted culture called ‘’University’’, I was and remain excited about meeting new people. Mpumalanga, Secunda, is the area where I spent my entire life, so the idea of leaving such a town to live in a bigger and more advanced Bloemfontein was refreshing. My aspiration is quite simple: obtain a degree and use it to change the world. I had the preconception that in order for this to take place, one has to become an ardent bookworm. “A gown and tassel only comes to those who drown themselves in books’’ I held on to this motion given by my teachers with clenched fists. Undoubtedly there is truth in this, but is it the complete truth?
After having spent a year in college, I had the privilege of encountering a spectrum of individuals. They, like me, were students however something was different about them… I couldn’t put my finger on it. They were a breath of fresh of air and I found myself yearning to be in the company of such driven individuals. It goes without saying- every individual is unique and special- Watson and Crick attributed scientific evidence to this statement. Scratching my head wondering what causes such magnetism of minds, I realised that such people weren’t necessarily a “special’’ breed. Brief contemplation lead me to these interesting findings: Such persons had what I like to call an ‘’Open mind’’…
Rich minds yield rich conversations.
I enjoyed engaging in discussions around thought-provoking topics with fellow students. From politics, sociology, science and leadership to business and religion, my new colleagues were diverse and well rounded. What stood out the most was the ability to have informed opinions irrespective of whether the topic at hand was within our field of study or not. Apart from the content of the dialogue, I also paid attention to execution and elocution. Being able to effectively communicate ideas from our neurons to our speech arouses attention in me. I certainly admired this! They were eloquent according to Heinrich Hein’s definition which suggests that “True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary”. This revealed to me the intricacy of the English language and just how beautiful it is, in proper linguistic confinements of course. Now that I had discovered the secret, the ‘’x-factor’’, it was time for me to acquire it too. Amy Cuddy, an American social psychologist and Harvard Business School Associate Professor found-through extensive research- that when one is confident and assertive, their testosterone hormone levels are higher and their cortisol(a stress hormone) levels decline. I have found that the presence of knowledge also leads to an increase in ones testosterone levels. Time to get a rich mind! Knowledge requires pursuit and time therefore I wasn’t expecting an overnight success. One doesn’t become a holistic citizen by merely gaping at a television screen. Books need to be read, questions need to be asked and the internet needs to be utilized. I began to do more of this.
Knowledge uptake need not be lonesome, within this journey I learned to be objective. I haven’t perfected the art of objectivity but as a work in progress, I’m optimistic about gradual improvement. I’ve challenged myself to learn to entertain ideas without accepting them, to improve the quality of my argument instead of raising my voice. I’ve challenged myself to listen! My mind is deeply under construction. I had also learned that in the course of embarking upon any journey, it’s important to reflect. Taking my own advice, I did so and I was mildly puzzled at what I discovered. I had possessed an open mind already!
When I was 16 years old I decided to participate in a community outreach program. The initial idea was to add content to my résumé at an early age but this view later shifted to wanting to give back. I felt that one is never too young to impact their surroundings. I was filled with hopeful thinking. I applied to be the Junior Station Commissioner of the South African Police Services(SAPS), Secunda branch. Through serving in this volunteer initiative, I got the opportunity to work with young leaders and think critically about ways to maximise youth involvement in crime prevention. My peers weren’t fond of the idea of allocating time and energy to a course which didn’t yield a salary or completely eradicate crime but I was content. I knew that my community service was imperative because of its prolific nature. The fruit it would bear would perpetuate itself because a crime uncommitted prevents trauma, it prevents loss. Does this imply that I was meant to become a police officer? No. My willingness to volunteer simply implied a desire to be unconventional and to lend a helping hand. More recently, I campaigned to be a part of decision making board of the residence I live in. I wanted to be the Residence Committee member responsible for taking care of the academic needs of the house. The portfolio requires innovation and I was yearning for a challenge. I successfully managed to produce a conducive study environment in the University of the Free State’s first co-ed residence. My term focused on finding different ways to motivate my peers because motivation improves productivity and consequently represent Kovsie’s academic prestige.
I have a hunger for knowledge which is probably insatiable, still concrete on my views yet open minded enough to question things! Open mindedness has even challenged me to improve my work ethic. It has required me to be teachable and it has tested my character, gravitating it towards growth. I now view university as a mine of knowledge, any university has failed you if all it has passed onto you is a degree.
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