letter to my younger self

Dearest Paddi
Although you are only in matric, there are a few things that you should know before you fly to the Eastern Cape and venture out into the small town of Grahamstown. I wish to inform you that there are things that the Rhodes pamphlets neglect to tell you. Firstly it’s in your best interest to remember that alcohol consumption is a way of life at university. Remember you do become very dysfunctional when you drink excessively, so ensure you make great and reliable friends. Despite what others may say it’s possible to attend all your lectures and tutorials each day after a night of partying. You should know that perseverance is the key to getting your licence, even if you fail your driving test four times and have personality clashes with all five of your driving instructors. As a first year student at Rhodes you will no longer be forced to wear shoes in public even though your mom insists that that you will be ridiculed for not wearing shoes as an adult. Rhodes has a whole community of people who share your love of being bare foot; they are referred to a “bungis.” You feast upon two litres of chocolate ice cream per day, once you are a first year student at Rhodes you will regret developing this specific habit and you will need to avoid first year spread like the plague. Grahamstown tap water is possibly the most appetising substance you will ever consume; therefore, you should be prepared to purchase and carry ten litres of bottled water each week.
Lastly you must enjoy your remaining time at school.
Love Amy

letter to my younger self

Dear Leo

Hey buddy! I have not heard from you in ages, hope that you are getting yourself ready for university. This letter is just to share some tips on how to study and also remind you of the new environment that you are about to experience.

First year at University can be very exciting, there are a lot of things that are different from where you come from, the environment is new. You are your own boss; you don’t have to ask for anyone’s permission if you want to do something, you have total freedom. The main reason you are in this place is to get a degree and this should be your first priority in everything that you do. It’s not a crime to have fun every now and again and it helps to take the academic pressures off but you should give yourself a limit. Spend more time studying and less time having fun. Studying is very important because it is the only way that you can pass your subjects and finally get a degree. Nobody has ever thought that studying is fun; people think that studying is depressing but you have a very good reason to make it work. Do not force yourself into your books when you are tired, give yourself a good rest then go back to your books. Do not spend too much time trying to study because your brain can only stay focus for about 45 minutes; make sure that you take reasonable breaks in between when you are studying. As much as there is so much happening around you, stay focus and only give attention to things that really matter to you. Take it easy, this is University it is not difficult to pass but at the same time if you are not careful you may not stay long enough to finish your degree.

Your loving friend
Winile Buthelezi

Letter to my younger self

Dear Zikhona

Life will certainly not be the same when you depart to Grahamstown. Brace yourself and get ready to meet new interesting people and still be yourself, there is absolutely no reason for you to change. It will be less than 24 hours and you will be well aware that everything is “chilled” here at Rhodes. You will be glad to know that by far this university is renowned for its societies, these will range from drumming society, photography society to Zimbabwe society, there is something for everyone. There are many places of worship here at Rhodes this ranges from the Rat and Parrot to the Cathedral, regardless of this there is always something to get involved in, campaigning for SRC, applying to be part of RMR (Rhodes music radio), be part of House Comm and so much more, the rule is to always work on upgrading the CV. It is always ideal to have a social life but be careful not to get lost in the rabbit hole while you are at it, your studies should take first preference. Do not worry about this because you will remember when you are busy typing furiously at the famous JACARANDA LABS at 11:45am for a DP requirement assignment that’s due at 12 noon, trust me you will still manage to get your assignment handed in on time, this is made possible by the Rhodes Mojo. At the Kaif is where you will learn to have some people skills and network with people from all different walks of life in the City of Saints of course i.e. Kimberly, Nelson Mandela hall, Jan Smuts hall, the list goes on. One last thing is to always remember to keep your head up but get used to the fact that you are no longer the centre of attention, so get real don’t succumb to peer pressure and get connected.

Love,

Your older self.

Letter to my younger self.

Dear Heather
I just want you to know that this letter is ridiculous and if you stop reading half way through, I will just have to forgive you, because as I should know myself I would probably consider this junk, never mind how old I am.
Maybe I’m being a bit vain, but I think you did pretty well for your first year. You definitely grew into your own person, just like a little adult you paid your first bill for your car and digs hunted, making the appointments yourself. Although you could spare mother the shopping calls. If you can decide on the flat you want, you do not need mom to help you choose the cheaper sugar.
Do not be scared to try things out of your comfort zone when your sober, you remember more of it that way to. Try slow down on the drinking early, because you tend to get a little too friendly along with all the other lovely friendly people and do not share your dodgiest moments with any one, leave them in Richards Bay no matter how funny they are. Other than that you are going to have fun at Rhodes, make many interesting friends and more dodgy stories, which you are welcome to tell your understanding friends in Richards Bay.
If I am not mistaken it is the moments that you most enjoy that change your aspect on life, embrace those moments and never forget, university is about learning in all spheres, social and academic.
One last thing, your friends are there for you, even with your hermit ways you are not alone. People will not think you are selfish if you just need to rant for a little. Life is about everyone and that includes you.
Yours Truly
Older Self