" My UJ Journey: A place where I found my voice"

  This is a story of how UJ became more than just word"University"-It played a crucial role in helping me become who I am today.

Dear UJ

On my first day of becoming a UJ student,when I first stepped onto your campus (APB),I was scared, nervous and feeling like I don't belong to your campus.I felt lost in both life and those huge buildings.

But today,as UJ celebrates its 20th birthday,I look back with a bright and wider smile,It wasn't just books, lectures and tutors that were offered to me,it was an opportunity,not just any opportunity,but the opportunity to grow,to get rid of my fears, build my confidence, acknowledge my capabilities and being proud of becoming a UJ student.

The journey as a first year student

Being a first year wasn't easy,I had to deal with so many fears; The fear of getting lost between those huge buildings.The fear of not making friends .The fear of coping during class.I felt unprepared,I was scared to raise hand in class, scared to ask for directions around campus,I felt like I did not belong there, especially when I saw other students walking with confidence,they knew where they were going,but I didn't.

The University of Johannesburg provided me with guidance through First Year Orientation programme .And slowly,the change began.I now knew my way around campus and I was beginning to feel comfortable.

What UJ taught me

UJ gave me lectures who made me feel welcomed, through them,I learnt to stand infront of my class and present,I learnt to make friends through group work,I learnt to raise hand in class and speak. UJ also offered me a library to learn how to use computers, and to get books as well as a quiet environment to study.

That strength is not about being perfect,but showing up anyway .

UJ have taught me more than just a theory, but to speak even when my voice trembles

I felt it,I belong,here ,and now fully.

How UJ contributed to the society and community 

University of Johannesburg did not only play a role in students growth ,it also helps the community. Through community engagement project, University of Johannesburg helps the community by helping children who are not doing well at school with homeworks,UJ also help students from primary Schools to learn how to use computers,by inviting them to campus and showing them how to use computers at computer labs.UJ also offers bursaries to students who needs them,they also offer free counseling and services,as well as cleaning up the community to make a clean environment.I feel proud to be a part of such a University that cares about others and want to make South Africa a better place.

Watch to learn more about community engagement 

My hopes for UJ

I hope you keep on shining .I hope you keep on inspiring more students.I hope you keep on welcoming students and making them feel proud of their culture and religions without any judgement .I hope you welcome more students like me,to re-imagine their futures.I hope you keep on pushing more and more students to keep on going even when it's hard.Keep on encouraging students to express themselves without having the fear of being judged.

Keep on being the place of hope ,the place of light,the place of second chance,the place were every student feels welcomed and appreciated .

You are not just a University,but you are the start,you are the pen that every student holds and begin writing their chapter.

UJ @20

UJ is now celebrating 20 years 

For me it's not just about the number 20 but

It's 20 years of re-imagining the future 

20 years of helping people like me to be fully aware of their capabilities 

Many stories were written during these 20 years,and one of them is mine.

20 years of second chance,20 years of making students like me feel welcomed and appreciated 

During these years, many stories were written, they're real, and they are enough ,they will not stop today but will continue until infinity.Because of university of Johannesburg,we are enough and we are proud.

 

Thank you UJ

Thank you UJ for being there for me when I felt like I didn't belong there.

Thank you for making me feel welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you for being patient with me when I was still trembling .

Thank you for showing me what I am capable of.

Happy 20th birthday UJ

You are not just a part of my story,but you are the reason why I wrote it ,you are the journey,you are the pen that helped me write my story ,I am proud to be a UJ student.Thank you UJ. 

With all my heart 

(Mpho)

A proud UJ student