Africa-Press – Namibia. THERE ARE few better moments in the life of a young person than that feeling when you pass your matric and are admitted to an institution of higher learning; that moment when you decide what to study and what you want to achieve. Welcome to the game of life and welcome to adulthood.
I want to help equip you with better knowledge on how to navigate your first year at university or college. The first year is not only exciting but challenging, as well as being a formative time in the life of any student. It is full of hope and doubts based on the opinions and views of all those involved in your life – family, friends, donors and the institution where you study. There is a change in your perspective and where you would like to see yourself . You have to remain strong and focus on the challenge by taking bold decisions and by carefully calculating your steps. Many students suffer because they make decisions they come to regret as they are uninformed.
The first battle you need to win is the battle over your mind. Choose what you are passionate about. Do not choose what is easy or what your parents/guardians necessarily want you to do. Parents and guardians often want to influence your decisions on the profession you choose and your future direction. Listen to their advice but make your own decision based on what you’re passionate about. This choice will shape every aspect of your future.
INFLUENCES AND FOCUS After winning the house battle, the game is not over. Welcome to the academic jungle. Say goodbye to school uniforms and strict management. This is a jungle with predators but also beautiful human beings you will come to rely on. Many people with big dreams will emerge victorious. However, some will quit and others will become casualties of depression and their economic situation, among others.
You will meet students from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. They can directly influence the behaviour and thinking of first year students in terms of swagger, property, verbosity, and life experience. I have witnessed people become unhappy with who they are because of what others have. A young person of your age might sit next to you in class with the keys to a Mercedes-Benz or a Jeep. This can intimidate you because as a child you never even had a bicycle. Don’t worry. Don’t lose your academic focus. Rather, focus on the real challenge.
Key questions you need to ask yourself include what is the minimum amount of money I need to survive in the first two months of my semester? What are the affordable materials I need to get to class every day? A basic understanding of technology is needed because of online learning platforms. It is up to you to choose between Instagram data and data bundles for online classes.
There is a shift in perspective in terms of how you pictured university while in school – a place of honey and orange trees – and the reality. Some students will have to choose between buying lunch or having taxi money. You will have to choose between going to a potjie party at the weekend or studying for a test. You have to be able to adapt fast and be flexible because life can be unpredictable. University taught me to budget and utilise limited resources to accomplish bigger things. FORWARD THINKING
Draw up a wing plan and budget. Join a society of your interest on campus in order to learn and be part of a network of students. You will embarrass yourself in one way or another because being a freshman means you are new to many things. Ask good questions and stay updated with information on campus. Remember that even a vice chancellor at your university or a director at your college will have had to navigate the same journey. Think about your parents and the community you represent. It is up to our generation to define the future and lead our institutions.
Be aware of enemies of progress who will sabotage your dreams with a smile on their faces. Be kind but do not be weak and tolerate disrespect of any kind. Understand that you are not alone. Many, many other people have trodden the same path and emerged victorious on the other side. You can also do it. Do not become a casualty of the academic struggle, be a face of excellence.
David F Shoombe is a regional treasurer of the Khomas Regional Youth Forum and a World Economic Forum Global Shaper for Windhoek Hub. He holds a BA (Hons) in political science (Unam), and is a Yali alumnus in public management and governance. He is passionate about youth development and global relations.
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