PALLAS FIRST SEMESTER
2022
MEET THE TEAM
2022
Shreya Nair (writer)
Hannah Botha (design and layout)
Brigit Thalia Burger (design and layout)
Zianca van Tonder (writer)
Elsa Pretorius (writer)
Marnél Retief (writer)
Nonjabulo Buthelezi (writer)
Marli Botha (writer)
Lwazi Njikelana (writer)
Aphiwe Sithole (writer)
Erica Vegter (writer)
Denise Buys (writer)
LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
Everything for the house, aka “Alles vir die huis”. Starting off as a mockery of Stellenbosch Res culture, but quickly beginning to mean something to us, “Alles vir die huis” perfectly encapsulates how we all want to play a part in this place called Minerva. Our house has always favoured a culture of unity and harmony, so naturally this phrase snuck its way into our daily dialogue, but not in a Men’s Residence kind of way, in a Minerva way. We kicked off the year in high spirits, welcoming our incredible first years who were very excited to officially become Minervianers. Progressively, we've seen many get togethers that have helped us get to know each other, bring some of us closer, and even create memories outside of our mundane academic lives. It is quite clear that the main theme for 2022 was to bring back all the excitement we had lost to the pandemic. We created a bubble of what we call “good vibes” but forgot that not all of us experience res life and university the same. Minerva has experienced some dark days this semester and as a result, our house has never been more divided. The gaps are there, in leadership, the various comms, the different sections, and even in our rooms. So how do we fix this? How do we grow from this? There needs to be a balance between being all for Minerva and its “gees” and reality. We’re a house that prides itself on how we’re always willing to learn and grow, so we need to be more proactive by walking what we talk. Walking that respect, walking that kindness, walking that balance, walking that growth, double or even triple walking that proactivity, and sprinting when it comes to that inclusivity we always talk about. There are more answers within all of us, and we all know what more we can do to get us back on track. We still have the rest of the year to do better and be better. So let’s do that. Best,
Nothile
CONTENTS 6
Taking back to 1958
8
Term 1 Recap
10
First year feedback
12
Self Love & Journaling
14 18 20
Pride Minerva sports Influence through leadership
22 24 25 26 28 30 32 34 35
Phoka Tlali Stellies bucket list Loadshedding 101 Fall formal Dorm room decor
Make the planet green again Secret study spots House Hustlers Important Dates
TAKING IT BACK TO
1958
Let’s press the rewind button for a moment. It’s 1958. In the heart of Stellenbosch, a Greek goddess arose, planting her Jacaranda roots on the corner of Hofmeyr and De Waal Street. A place that was once known as an all first-year residence quickly made her mark on campus as the biggest woman residence. She radiated beauty, inspired others through her wisdom and enlightened her surroundings with art. From day one she embodied Athena, the Greek goddess that started it all… Word on campus was that the new women’s res was still wet behind the ears, with no experience competing against fairly older residences such as Harmonie and Monica. The men’s residences were overwhelmed by the 209 new Greek goddesses as they were soft on the eyes. When the 60’s arrived Minerva was proud to host their very first Miss Minerva event, that later on became an annual hit. House dances were held at reasonable hours, with the opening highlight being the debut of Minerva’s very own pancake machine. Pillow and water fights were the main event at residence socials for the newcomers to interact with one another. But the fun didn’t stop there. Section events became an annual highlight, being formal dances, playing and listening to old records as well as drive-in cinema screenings. Minerva competed in Stellenbosch’s song festival, that created fame on campus, joining Eendrag and their prim as fellow teammates. In the 80’s the air was filled with dance fever and couples could attend the house dances at a price of R4,50. Photographers took pictures during the night and later on sold each picture for 78 cents.
The HC members’ main focus was hiring the appropriate orchestra for the evening. Every Minervianer’s dream was to have their very own Cinderella night at the annual Debutant ball. In 1980 a total of 6 lucky ladies were chosen out of the 42 entries. They made Minerva very proud! A few fun findings about Minerva’s previous house dances, held in the 80’s entailed a total of 220 bottles wine being ordered for 440 guests. They surely knew how to spend their dance budget… Further on there were sports collaborations with Dagbreek over the years where “trapkar”competitions were still a massive hit. They however had the luxury of hiring 12 masseuses for the event as a treat for the hardworking “trapkar”-team. Ladies, when in doubt, you could just rely on the daily hiring services that catered for any writing needs. An Olivetti typewriter was stored in one of the girls’ room and could be hired by anyone. In the reading room there was also two sewing machines available for anyone to use. However, you had to pay full R1 deposit to use it. We’ll set the scene for you. It’s seven o’clock on a Monday morning and you hear a knock on your door. The air is filled with a coffee infused aroma as you get up to collect your morning parcel at your bedroom door. Back in the day before digital screens taught us everything about the daily news, the newspaper “Die Burger” would be delivered to every Minervianer’s room door. Their mornings consisted of a steaming cup of coffee on the balcony whilst reading about the newest daily news. Persevering throughout the years of struggles and obstacles being thrown her way, having to endure a stolen swing, graffiti anchors and swinging picnic benches, Minerva is still going strong. Her history is what shapes her and played a massive role in forming her as a residence that she is today.
MINERVA
TERM 1 RECAP 2022 started with a bang! Literally, with "Mineeeeérva" echoing through the streets of Stellenbosch. O-week was one for the books. The first year's were privileged to experience most of the reses' traditions, with the pandemic still at hand. The HC and mentors went out of their way to make sure everyone stayed safe and healthy during o-week. Only a week later we had the best week of the year... Minerva week. Stellies was aware of our presence! Unfortunately a few of our fellow residents suffered from a severe condition of losing their voice, but we loved the dedication. We enjoyed a warm evening together during house warming, celebrating the talents of our fellow Minervianers. Some danced and others made beautiful music. The evening was harmonized with special decor and the colours of blue, pink and white! The sound of Coetzenburg roaring with joy is always nice to hear on a Monday evening during Varsity Cup. Minerva was not only celebrating an evening together, but we found ourselves in our own little Disney World filled with a magical atmosphere; the House Fund Dance was a eventful evening! Recess did us all good, some rest... but most importantly, catching up...not with family but our books. 2022 already so many memories captured in our hearts, how exciting it is to see what the rest of the year might have in store for us.
FIRST YEAR
FEEDBACK The start of a new year is always a thrill. It brings new challenges, new opportunities and for the First Years of Minerva it certainly brought a lot of excitement. When asked how they initially felt during the start of orientation, answers differed from “Excited”, “Optimistic”, “Curious”, “Scared” and the list goes on, but what stood out the most was, “Confusion”. Most of them were clueless about University and being in Res. This was evident when many of them got lost in the hallways time and time again or when attempting to connect to Eduroam on their own. A lot of them came into Minerva without knowing anyone. It was a scary experience especially because for some it was their first time staying in any sort of Residence away from home. But like true Minervianers they all helped each other to settle in. Slowly, they became more comfortable, they adjusted and their personalities began to bloom.
How did you have to adapt now that you live in a residence ? - I am still not used to wearing flip-flops in the showers. - My independence became a lot more since being in res, because now there is no one else to remind me to do things. - I finally learned how to do my own washing. -The online classes didn’t create a university atmosphere at all and was definitely challenging. The absolute freedom that came with being a student was a weird experience. How do you manage your time between studying and socials? - Time management is difficult, it is a struggle to say no to a coffee date when you rather need to be studying. - I take things day by day, it helps me to not stress about future things and rather focus on what I must do that day. - I am like a whirlwind, still can’t manage my time. How did you deal with your first University Test series? - I have never studied so much in my entire life. It was a big wake-up call after being used to High School Tests. - Some modules went great and some we just don’t have to talk about. - The week before recess is when my addiction to Monster began. How did you experience Orientation Week? - It was really fun, but I slept for two days straight after Vensters. - I was anxious at first and did not really understand the hype around O-week, but the HC and Mentors really made me feel at home. - The chaos is what made O-week so much fun. Did Stellenbosch University as well as Minerva meet your expectations? - Not only did especially Minerva meet my expectations, but it exceeded them. - The small first year rooms are not a problem when you have a great roommate, the HC really put a lot of effort into our Roommate surveys and that exceeded my expectations. What new habits have you developed since being in Minerva? - I visit En Route way too often. - I study till much later at night than what I used to. - Coffee on the balcony. Was your newfound freedom something you enjoyed from the beginning? -Definitely! It was like a breath of fresh air after experiencing immense restrictions put into place because of Covid. The sudden realisation that we are not children anymore was something to get used to.
SELF LOVE &
JOURNALING
During the hustle and bustle of university and res life we tend to get so caught up in trying to always be busy/productive, that we forget to take a breath, relax and really reflect on our progress. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, and at times a scary experience, but if you are able to bring yourself to a place where you can recollect your thoughts and set new intentions, with peace and quiet, you will flourish and become the best version of yourself. Journaling is a type of physical therapy that can be used to put your inner-most thoughts onto paper. Being able to express your emotions with words helps release built up anxiety, anger, stress or fear, which at times you don’t realise are burdening you. Use the following prompts to reconnect with yourself and practice self-love by taking time to check in with YOU…
1. What are five things that I love about myself? 2. What did I do well today? 3. What do I think I can improve on moving forward in this month? 4. How can I show up for myself today? 5. What can I do to be more present? 6. I am grateful for… 7. What can I do to rest and recharge better? 8. I want to add … as a feel-good habit into my daily routine. 9. What are three things that make me happy? 10. How can I incorporate more of no. 9 into my everyday life? Remember, the relationship you have with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have. Start reminding yourself that you are worthy of love, happiness and peace. Self-love starts with the small decision of loving yourself and showing up for the person you are today, to be a better version of yourself tomorrow.
PRIDE
What Minerva Pride looks like in 2022 Minerva is a community that welcomes and embraces the Pride community and its allies. It provides a safe space for the LGBTQ+ people and provides them with the support and aid they need to be heard, address challenges and spark conversations with our fellow Minervianers. The Pride Committee is in fact the biggest and broadest safe space in Minerva. It does not only comprise of the Pride community and its allies, but it is also a collective that bridges the gap in aspects of educating our society, encouraging unity, acceptance and taking the initiative to address difficult conversations.
So, the real question here is, what does Minerva Pride look like in 2022? The liberty was taken to speak to our Minervianers about Minerva Pride and as a result, it brought about an insightful and informative perspective. Various questions were asked and sent to different individuals in Minerva and each response is anonymous. What sort of community do you seek from Minerva in 2022 in terms of embracing Pride? “ In terms of embracing Pride, I want Minerva to become a community where love is love and does not discriminate. An inclusive community where everyone feels like they belong and are accepted for who they are. I want Minerva to be a community that isn’t just called a safe space but feels like a safe space where one doesn’t have to fear coming out. A community where you can feel safe to explore, understand and unravel barriers. Where allies help to create an inclusive society. A community where people can live proudly as themselves by listening, educating each other, being visible and speaking out against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Do you believe there’s a support structure implemented for the Pride community here in res? If so, do you think it has become better than the one in previous years or do you think it could still use some work? “ Although I cannot compare the support structure for the Pride community from previous years in res, I believe that there is always room for improvement. It is a common issue where pronouns are assumed or used incorrectly, whether it be accidental or purposefully, so I do believe there could still be improvement in the future for Minerva. But remembering that Stellenbosch is a conservative town, I believe that Minerva is on the right track with regards to being an inclusive space for the Pride community.
In what ways would you hope your fellow Minervianers would be involved in 2022 and onwards? I would hope that we all take part in important conversations this year, launched Pride month events and had educational sessions on Pride and the LGBTQ+ community, it would make a huge difference. I, myself, identify as a bisexual and I remember it was difficult for me to explain to my female friends how they shouldn’t feel uncomfortable around me because I’m also attracted to girls, that it didn’t mean the way I felt about them was going to be different. I believe if people were more educated and involved, others would find coming out much easier because of the amount of support and acceptance one has around them and the informed community they have before them. In the world in which we live in today, it is quite difficult to navigate your way to finding yourself or what you believe in and it is important that we all choose to embrace each other’s identities and orientations regardless of how society perceives it. It is empowering to see how we choose to support each other and take initiative to join the movement of creating a community in which opens doors to inclusivity and breaks down barriers built by privileged heterosexuals that have no concern for the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people. If you ask me, Minerva Pride 2022 looks revolutionary! By the words of Chris Colfer, “There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s a lot wrong with the world you live in.” so be proud of who you are and “Don’t ever be afraid to show off your true colours.”!
MINERVA SPORT Six months gone in a second! With Covid-19 regulations slowly disappearing, at the beginning of this year Minerva once again started competing in different sports around campus. A few matches later, and a lot of wins were collected on the sport fields. Our residence proudly teamed up for Netball, Hockey, Tennis, Table tennis and Soccer and we have excelled thus far. At Minerva there is a sport for everyone and we surely are a force to be reckoned with. Here follows a little snippet of the Minerva’s sports season so far. Netball Three Netball teams have taken to the court each Wednesday since the middle of April 2022. They played four games in the second term and have another five games waiting in term three, with semi finals and finals to follow. The First team played against Silene, Lydia, Heemstede and ISA. The team proudly won two and drew one out of the four games. The Second team played against Lydia, Nerina, Metanoia and Heemstede, and won three out of their four games. Minerva is so proud! Team three played against Sonop, Aristea, Metanoia and Huis ten Bosch. They won two and drew one of the four games. The teams are truly excited to get back on court and definitely stand a chance to finish top of their league. Table Tennis This is probably the most fun and social sport Minerva has to offer. From beginner to advanced players, Table Tennis welcomes everyone. Minerva has played three games against Huis Ten Bosch, Serruria and Lydia and won one out of the three games. Soccer A sports filled with adrenaline and joy. Our team made us extremely proud! It has been an exhilarating term for the team. Although they only played only two games against Lydia and Goldfields, the team is all pumped for next semester, and we wish them the best of luck. Hockey Hockey had the most ‘gees’ on and off the field, with a team of Minervianers on the astro playing their hearts out while the rest were on the stands cheering them on. Minerva has played three games this term against Tygerberg, Heemstede, and Irene. There have been a few losses, but we will surely keep our hopes up for a lot of wins with next semesters’ matches. Tennis Even though it is mostly a sport between two individuals, the court is always filled with adrenaline and anticipation. There have been three round robin matches. The first match was against Heemsteede, unfortunately we lost 2-5. The second match was against Sonop, and was a clear win! Not only can Minerva boast about being the best residence on campus, but it is also home to the best athletes that are extremely talented in other sports. Someone who cannot be overlooked is our one and only, Jana van Schalkwyk. Jana is a former Junior Worlds Javelin athlete and in 2022, she has won the Boland Senior Athletics Championship, placed 3rd at the South African Senior Athletics Championship and finished 2nd at USSA (University Sport South Africa). Jana is currently in the provisional South African Senior Athletics team, and has competed at the African Championships in June this year and has brought home a bronze medal. “I started the season on the back foot with my preparation, so I am happy with the progression I've shown over the year. I have had seasonal bests at every competition I've competed at so far.” – Jana van Schalkwyk. Minerva is also home to, Ankia Viljoen. She is a first-year shotput athlete who competed in the South African Junior Championship in Potchefstroom and finished sixth in the under 20 category. These two talented women are definitely people to keep our eyes on. Another remarkable sports-woman living between us all is Jess van Strijp. Jess is horse rider who competes in Show Jumping and Eventing. She and her horse, Marcus Adams, competed in Marcus’s first event, the Equine Sport Centre Training Show, where they placed 2nd in the 60cm and 70cm Show Jumping class and 3rd in die 60cm Cross Country round. They also competed in two other Eventing competitions where they placed 3rd and 9th respectively. What makes this even more remarkable is that Marcus is an ex-racehorse who only started Eventing this year with Jess. They are working towards the Western Cape Eventing Championship in August, and we wish them the best of luck.
“I love sports because I love life, and sport is one of the basic joys of life.” - Yevgeny Yevtushenko
INFLUENCE THROUGH LEADERSHIP
INFLUENTIALS IN MINERVA The quality of leadership is an innate ability to serve and is identifiable in small but powerful actions. In Minerva, we are lucky enough to live among many people with this sought- after quality and their strong sense of leadership is paramount. This article is to spotlight a few of these influencers and the bespoke value they each add to our house. These leaders are Cleo Saal, Marize Gouws, Carli Viljoen, and Nyashadzashe Hove who are participative and enthusiastic Minervianers with a heart for serving others and making their mark in Minerva. Each serve on various committees and are part of many clubs by which their active engagement is highlighted.
CLEO SAAL Cleo is a bubbly, kind and exuberant individual with a personality brimming with influence and leadership. Her passion for servitude and transformation is truly incredible. When asking Cleo about the role leadership plays in her life, this is her view: “What leadership means to me personally, is never compromising my value and belief system for anything or anyone and always making my voice known in situations that call for it. What I have learned from being a leader is that one should always be open to new ideas, new ways of thinking, listen and have the willingness to receive critique.” Coming to university changes the opportunities to grow and this is Cleo’s experience of her transition as a leader since moving into Minerva: “I have been exposed and introduced to so many things, which I am forever grateful for. With the opportunities I have been granted to join multiple committees, it has truly been fulfilling…This has allowed me to flourish as a person, leader and Minervianer...At the end of the day, being a leader and having the ability to inspire others and future leaders is what I enjoy the most and I have fun while doing it.” Cleo’s authenticity is so evident in her earnest mission to touch the lives of others and her influence is undoubted!
MARIZE GOUWS Gouws has become a friendly and familiar face in Minerva and as a first year has decidedly made her mark in res! Marize’s intentional, genuine and gentle spirit are facets of her leadership style which is completely unique and impressive. Marize on noting her journey in the res space: “Leadership is the opportunity to serve the people I love and care for. I’m on a few committees such as sustainability, critical engagement and pride. I’m passionate about the work these committees do and inspired by the driven Minervianers that I get to work with. The relationships I form as well as seeing the difference we can make in our community is the greatest reward.” It is entirely encouraging to see wholehearted dedication to enriching the lives of Minervianers and Marize is a key part of this conscientiousness. Marize’s leadership with warmth and heart is indispu
CARLI VILJOEN Carli is a wholehearted, committed and spirited Minervianer who gives 100% to everything she does! Carli’s genuine passion and love for this house is prevalent in her active involvement in res life. To Carli, this is her definition of what an influential leader is: “A good leader in my eyes is someone who can motivate others to keep going when they feel like giving up!! And when taking on a leadership position, be willing to put in the work behind the scenes to ensure the best results for those who trusted you with the position.” Carli’s passion is exhibited through her desire to add her value to the house: “Participating in Minerva allows me to give back…[I] truly believe the more you have to do the more you get done! I also really enjoy making new amazing friends through participation! And something about cleaning the dining hall at 6am after a dance just hits different - it creates a bond between us that cannot be broken. I really do love Minerva and our GEES, and by participating I feel like I am a part of something amazing that only a few people on earth get to experience in their lifetime.” Carli exemplifies making the most of the res experience and has fully immersed herself in Minerva’s opportunities which is to really be admired.
NYASHADZASHE HOVE Nyashadzashe has become a light in Minerva with her trademark vibrancy, good-nature and joy. As a first year, she has agreeably been a voice in this house and her active involvement in res life is truly brightening. On explaining what leadership to her: “To me, leadership is an action not a position. And being a leader or taking up leadership roles does not depend on having a certain position in society, but it is by setting an example through interactions with other people and the way you critically assess and approach matters. Leadership is about making decisions to benefit the team, trusting your gut, listening to the views of other people, acknowledging wrongs and finding a way to get passed them and most importantly, learn from those mistakes. Bringing it back home in this case to Minerva, I simply become the change I want to see in the environment and believe that the impact I make, no matter how small, will inspire someone else to also stand up [and] take charge of their environment. [And also] implement change that benefits everyone in general in all aspects of human lives.” Interaction is incredibly impactful on others which Nyasha aims to embody every day. Nyasha’s sincere regard for the livelihoods of others is what makes her influence so unique and important.
These leaders are the influence we hope to see in Minerva and commend their service to their community. We cannot wait to see these leaders, and many more in res, continue to flourish and revolutionize the space!
A WISE MAN ONCE SAID…
“MY NAME IS PHOKA TLALI” Favourite hangout place? Favourite is a strong word, but anywhere where there is nature for example in the mountains or at the beach.
What has University taught you? University has taught me patience in all aspects, belief in myself, my abilities and my influence and lastly to never shy away from asking for help when it is needed.
Top 3 experiences in Stellenbosch • Jonkershoek hiking trails (2nd waterfall hike). • Most if not all wine farm experiences. • Going to a restaurant that I haven’t been to within Stellenbosch Why Minerva? I have always made it a point to insert myself or to work in spaces that I have not worked in before. I believe that this is one of the best ways to make the most out of my varsity journey in terms of my personal growth and development. The opportunity to be part of Minerva seemed like a no brainer as I had yet to experience working in a residence space. It presented itself as a great opportunity for me to really hone in on the Strategic Advisor role that is relatively new in the Stellenbosch leadership space, after having been a strategic advisor at a PSO in the previous term. My goal coming into Minerva as the strategic advisor was to be a catalyst in the holistic growth of my team members. To really be a guide/mentor to the leadership of Minerva and hopefully extend that influence to the rest of the house.
What is your current favourite music genre and artist? Again, favourite is a bit of a strong word, but the last few weeks/months I have been listening more to amapiano and deep house music. There are too many good artists to choose one Your highlight so far having been part of Minerva. There have been many highlights in the time that I have been part of Minerva, however the biggest highlight is the passion that the leaders of the house have shown for serving Minerva. All leadership structures that I have interacted with, i.e. House Committee, Mentors and Seniors’ Committee. Everyone seems 117,89% bought into serving the house. Would you rather date the person that loves you (but you don’t love them) or would you rather date the person that you love (but they do not love you) and why? WHAT?! Can I choose neither, because neither are healthy situations to be in. Rather leave. But if I absolutely had to choose, I would choose to date the person that I love but they don’t love me because I would have enough love to hotspot them.
What is your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure right now is drinking a Caffè mocha every time I take a study break. If you were asked to share a joke in front of a crowd, what would you say? I would say yes One word to describe yourself OPTIMISTIC
BU
S T E LLIE S
T S C K E T LI
A fresh set of new things to try is always an exciting endeavor and 2022 is looking up with so many adventures in store! This bucket list aims to include activities that are good fun and absolute must-try’s as a Stellies student. There are items on the list for the adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers as well as the mellow, and relaxed at heart. These are just some suggestions and ideas for a bit of fun to have with friends and of course, to walk away with an eventful story to tell! Try NY Slice (preferably in the PM )
Sunset at the reservoir
Wear res merch/maroon on a Monday
Study in the bib
Participate in Derby Week activities
Go to En Route in PJs
Watch a Serr or SU Choir performance
Join a club/society
Go for a picnic in the Botanical Gardens
Watch a movie at Pulp
Eat in the Neelsie at “peak” lunch time (13:00)
Watch a Varsity Cup game
Go to Fool’s Gold for Throwback Thursdays
Hike up Coetzenburg mountain
Bring the Minerva gees to a res sports match
Attend a residence dance/event
Try Manoushe’s R19 breakfast (this is legit!)
Walk down Victoria Street in autumn
LOADSHEDDING
101
It’s Friday evening and you just finished your A1 exam. You have been looking forward to binge watching Bridgerton the entire week. You’re dressed in comfy clothes with a hot chocolate in hand. You’re wearing your new socks and life could not be better. You open Netflix and suddenly your dreams are shattered – It’s loadshedding. Let’s be honest, we all hate it. It’s unpredictable, annoying and such a waste of time. Making plans are impossible and eduroam isn’t there to keep you busy on the gram. But like everything in life, we have to see the “bright” side of things. Here are some tips and tricks to survive loadshedding: 1. Rechargeable lights will be your saving grace – Not only do they keep you from sitting in the dark, but they create ambience. Put on your favourite music and make the best of the moment. 2. Stock up on your favourite snacks and ready-made meals – The only thing worse than sitting in the dark, is sitting in the dark with an empty stomach. 3. Get outside! – Cliché, we know, but it’s a fun way to pass time. Chat on the balcony, go for a sunset walk or grab an ice cream at En Route. 4. Study Spots – loadshedding is a pain in the butt when you have work to do. Make use of the following spots on campus that have access to electricity and Wi-Fi: SS, Library, Jan Mouton. 5. Sleep – No, we're not joking. We all have busy schedules and late nights so why not make use of the opportunity to take a well-deserved nap. Loadshedding is the worst, but maybe it will force you to practice some selfcare, without the worries of social media and SUNLearn – even if it’s just for a few hours. Here's an idea - maybe download those episodes of Bridgerton in the morning.
FORMAL
FALL
2022 FALL FORMAL “Can’t repeat the past ? Why of course you can !” And Minerva certainly did. Lights, camera, Gatsby! From the gorgeous dresses to the amazing decor, Fall Formal was definitely a night to remember. A few tears were shed by the Fall Formal Committee at the beginning but in the end those same tears, were tears of joy. Everyone looked absolutely stunning while channelling the 1920’s flapper girl. Drinks were flowing, the music was extravagant, and one might've even thought that Minerva had went back in time to experience Gatsby’s lavish celebrations. The décor was definitely striking and something new to our house. The lights, the feathers, and all the pears stood out, however it was the photo booth that stole the show. Photographer @llyle_jefferies certainly out did himself, and you’d swear the pictures belonged on the cover of Vogue 1920. Overall, there were many happy faces, smiles, laughs and killer dance moves after a few glasses of ‘punch’. To seal the deal, each person received a glass to take home with them; as a souvenir. Some people had so much fun that they even ‘left’ their belongings just to make sure they come back to Minerva because we certainly know how to throw a good party!
MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME
DORM DECOR
Living in a dorm room at university can be challenging, especially because many of us are used to having our own space and dorm rooms tend to be fairly small. Decorating your room can also be quite a task with limitations on the kind of changes one is allowed to make, all of which must be nonpermanent. However, it’s important to make your space feel as comfortable as possible. Here are 6 room décor essentials to liven up your room a bit and make your space your own…
Creating collages Filling up your walls with your favorite posters is a great way to brighten up your room without spending too much money. Whether it’s your favourite artists, classic movies, or just designs from Pinterest that you like. A poster collage is a fun way to showcase your unique personality and interests.
Light up your room
Using lights as room decoration has become quite common, and for good reason. It’s a great way to add a warm glow. Whether you want to put up fairy lights, colourful LED lights or just a lamp on your desk, adding an extra source of light besides the main switch is definitely a dorm room essential.
Comfort is key For most of us our beds are our safe havens and a place to relax. It’s a good idea to invest in bedding that you love and that’s comfortable to snuggle into. You can also add some throw pillows to add some colour and personality.
Invest in greenery
Adding some plants to your room can offer both psychological and physical health benefits. Keeping plants indoors is known to improve mood, reduce fatigue, lower stress and anxiety, and improve performance and focus. These benefits only apply to real plants of course, but if you’re like some of us and can’t seem to keep the real ones alive, fake plants will still add some bright colour and energy to your room!
Cover with a Carpet
More Mirrors
Although most rooms come with at least one mirror, adding your own extra mirrors can be both practical and visually pleasing. Mirrors will make your room appear more spacious and feel bigger.
It’s also useful to have a smaller mirror to use for your makeup or for friends to use when getting ready together in your room.
A carpet is a great way to cover the bare floor and make your room feel more comfortable and homely. These can however be quite pricy, so a good option would be to split the cost with your roommate and get a carpet that covers both sides and matches the aesthetic of the room. There are endless styles, colours, textures and sizes available.
MAKE THE PLANET GREEN AGAIN
GO GREEN
“Humans are the only creatures on Earth that will cut down a tree, turn it into paper, then write ‘save the trees’ on it” Since the dawn of time, mankind has always been dependent on the resources our planet has to offer. From the air we breathe, to its means of nutrition, shelter, keeping our furry and furless companions alive along with so much more, but how much can you recall of the deeds mankind has contributed to giving back to our Gaia (Mother Earth from Greek mythology)? We as humanity have initiated wars which harm our people and the environment, contributed to massive destructions that lead to climate change and endangering other species and the list goes on. Do you no longer wish to become the products of our sustainability uneducated leaders’ collateral damage? Fear not for you have a chance to give back this Earth month and we have provided you with the resources you need to show your appreciation. “Walk a mile in my shoes and you’ll end up at a thrift store” Thrifting is one of the most sustainable activities you can engage in not only this month but forever! If you find shopping therapeutic, wait until you go thrifting and find tons of items you love at ridiculously low prices. Nothing beats the thrill of finding a unique or trendy item while saving money. When you thrift, you do not only find cool low-priced clothing and accessories, but you are also being environmentally conscious and helping reduce fast fashion. I have done my fair share of online thrifting and the amount of love and community you’re exposed to is unmeasurable. Some of the benefits of thrifting include reducing carbon and chemical pollution caused by clothing production (influenced by fast fashion), reduction of waste, increase in ocean conservation and water usage and possibly finding an original vintage Prada shoulder bag not even close to the store price. Start thrifting to make a difference and a sustainable fashion statement. Thrift spots near you: * Sunday market on Dorp street * online thrifting (type thrift on your Instagram search panel and unlock the thrift world) * Yaga (https://www.yaga.co.za) “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.” Be ‘TREE’mendous this Earth month! We all know just how important trees are in our lives, but you would think that with the future-threatening circumstances our planet is currently facing, that we would be more conscious of the significance of trees and plants. Planting trees and indigenous plants helps reduce air pollution, promotes biodiversity and improves our eco systems. Fun fact, one mature tree can produce enough oxygen for up to 18 people depending on the size and type of tree.
Don’t you think they’re worth saving? Little ways you can be sustainable in spirit of Earth month include being a plant parent, planting a tree/plant or donating seeds and other resources to our very own Minerva’s Sustainability Committee. In the words of Dr. Seuss’ Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” An important lesson I learnt and in which I wish many more to learn is to never expect people in power to make eco-conscious decisions. An essential action you can take this Earth month is to educate yourself and others about the environment, aspects of being sustainable, climate change and the reason behind Earth month, week or even day and much more. Explore the fundamental basics to help guide you to being aware of what is happening all around you and how it not only affects you but also the future generations to follow. As much as development is a positive contributor to our economy, it is also one of the main reasons why our planet is deteriorating and becoming rapidly weak in some regions. Make the decision to educate yourself, your friends, family and acquaintances along with having conversations and debates about it. We cannot trust our government and corporations to be sustainably ethical and do the right thing which is why it is up to us to raise and groom a more informed, educated and aware nation that will lead us and our planet to a more sustainable future. Trust me, taking the time to educate yourself will help further expand your mindset and views on what goes on around you. - “There is hope for the future… and it is us” – “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world” John Muir Just as how people are associated with nature, nature is also associated with people. This Earth month I encourage you to explore the foundations of an intersectional environmentalist. This is one who considers the environment and advocates for social justice. An intersectional environmentalist “addresses the way the environmental degradation harms some groups in society more than others”. Global icon, Leah Thomas (IG: @greengirlleah), expands the horizons of both causes and finds an equal balance of creating justice for both and inspires others to join the movement. Now I’m not telling everyone to become one, although that would be incredible, but I encourage you for the sake of our humanity and planet to do more research on it, find out how some people are being served such injustices because “the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed”. Do your part and aid the world with revolutionary change! Use these resources to learn how you can make a difference this Earth month: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/practicing-intersectional-environmentaljustice https:///blog/three-tips-to-become-an-intersectional-environmentalist https://www.earthday.org/actions/volunteer/ Remember to celebrate sustainably this Earth month and appreciate all the good that surrounds you. Practising these methods and more should not just be for Earth month but instead one should adopt such methods to one’s way of life, make everyday Earth Day. Be kind to one another and make the planet great again!
SECRET
STUDY SPOTS If you want to spice up your academic life and not just hibernate in your room during this exam, here is a list of the top 9 study places you should try out: 1. Amamaties Hub This is just across the street from Minerva. They have desks where you can sit and study. There are plugs on the walls where you can charge your laptop. They also have Eduroam. Outside is a nice tuckshop with food and study snacks where you can use COB. Bonus feature: they have a big red slide in the middle of the room where you can slide down from the second floor if you want to try that out during your study break! Go try it. 2. Library At the Rooiplein. You can book a seat or computer via the online booking system. *Don’t have to book anymore*. It is a nice place to study if you like being surrounded by other students studying. Being surrounded by all those beautiful books also make a motivating study environment. There are seats with charging facilities and Eduroam is available. They also have printers if you need to print notes for studying. Bonus feature: the whole library is underground! Go look at it. 3. Wimbledon Hub Minerva’s student cards don’t work here, because this is actually for students that belong to the Wimbledon cluster, but the door is open most of the time. This is such a nice workspace as the second floor is a dedicated quiet space and the third floor a group work area, which is ideal for group projects with people outside Minerva. They have charging facilities and Eduroam. Bonus feature: the second floor has a glass wall that is perfect for Instagram worthy sunset study photos! Remember to tag Minerva.
4. Botanical gardens If you have a lot of reading to do and the weather is nice, this is the perfect spot. This is a very peaceful space where you can absorb nature while being productive. It’s not equipt for work on a laptop as there is no wifi or charging facilities. The entrance is free if you have your student cards with you. Bonus feature: there is a Bonzai garden where you can procrastinate and learn about Botany! Go learn.
5. FARGA If you’re a Bcom or Data Science student, this one is a real gem. It’s located on the top floor of the Neelsie and the glass room is the nicest to study in. If you need a spot during load-shedding the FARGA gets very full, and it can be busy on weekdays. There are computers to work on, but you get open workspaces as well. Bonus feature: Said to have the “best printers on campus” and they print very fast if you need to print a lot of notes. 6. SS The SS is nice for an intense focus session as it is very quiet. You don’t have to book, but there are always quite a lot of people studying there. You’ll always be surrounded by other focused students studying - time flies while studying here! Bonus feature: You get to walk over the Merriman bridge. 7. Minerva Study hall Simply the best! There are plugs against the wall and Eduroam. This is really nice for winter evenings as you can study in your pj’s and you don’t have to go out into the cold. Bonus feature: there are couches where you can take a quick study break! Go sit on them. 8. Jan Mouton If you want to work on computers, the Jan Mouton is perfect, although there is not a lot of workspace at each computer. They have the most comfortable chairs, and you can connect a Bluetooth headset to the computer if you want to rewatch lectures. There’s not a lot of workspace at each computer. It’s quite easy to stay focused and it’s quite quiet. Bonus feature: this is a beautiful and modern building! 9. Neelsie We all know the Neelsie and how busy it can get, but if you like to study in a busy environment, this is the place for you. During load-shedding this place is packed, so be sure to secure yourself a seat by going a bit earlier. This is also a good place to meet up with group members to work on a project. Bonus feature: food! Almost all the food stalls has COB, even Romans and Vida.
HOUSE DANCE PREP
SIDE HUSTLES
Preparing for House Dance can be such a struggle but lucky enough for you, everything you need is in Minerva.
If not for yourself then do it for the wine glass. You can find Gabriella Geyser in Gamma room 232, for both gel and acrylic nails.
Don't let your hair get in the way of your face card. You can find Talia Beyers in Beta room 215. Check the instagram account for more including beaded necklaces and bracelets
If you do not have a waist chain yet I doubt you’re ready for summer. And what's an outfit without a necklace or bracelet. You can find Margarita Charitouu in Delta room 235 and on the personal instagram account.
If you prefer changing your hair at least once a month, let's all gather here. The braids come in different sizes and length. You can find Summer Vlotman in Nu/ Section 13 room 143.
By far one of the most thoughtful gifts, paintings. Not only can you get a watercolour and acrylic canva painting, you can also bring your sneakers. You can find Camden Davidse in Minerva Court room 376 and on instagram.
Feel like adding a bit of character to your face, then we got you. You can find Mosima Langa in Minerva Court room 379 for make up looks.
IMPORTANT
UPCOMING DATES July 2nd End of Semester One 10th Eid-ul-Adha (tentative date) 18th Beginning of Semester Two & the start of Golden Week) 18th Nelson Mandela Day 25th Start of Derby Week 28th World Nature Conservation Day 31st Closing date for reapplication of residence placement
August 7th Friendship Day 9th National Women’s Day 19th House Dance 19th World Photography Day September 2nd Third term recess begins 11th End of recess 12th Fourth term begins 24th Heritage Day (public holiday) 25th Rosh Hashanah & World Justice Day
October 5th Yom Kippur 20th World Statistics Day (shout-out to all the stats students!) 21st Fourth term classes end 25th Start of November exams 30th World Thrift Day (a nice study break idea)
November 1st World Vegan Day (let’s book the vegan/vegetarian option) 17th End of 1st opportunity exams & World Student Day (how appropriate) 26th Law Day (shout out to the law kids, hopefully not having to rewrite anything)
December 3rd End of 2nd opportunity exams 10th Human Rights Day 16th Day of Reconciliation 25th Christmas Day 26th Boxing Day