PALLAS EDITION 1 | 2021
Pallas comes from the Greek word meaning ‘maiden’. In Greek mytholog, this was the name of a friend of the goddess Athena (Roman name: Minerva). Athena accidentally killed her. She then took the name Pallas in honour of her friend.
We hope you enjoy reading the Pallas as much as we enjoyed writing, editing and compiling it. Best of luck with the upcoming exams!
- The Pallas team
Big Sib Lil Sib Interview | The Art of Difficult Conversations | How to do winter on a budget | Reviews & Recommendations | Mental Health | Sustainability | Social Impact | Glow up Productively | Calendar
BY RITA CRAFFORD Learn a bit more about some of the Big Sibs and Lil Sibs in Minerva. This term we interviewed Marzanne and Gaby.
Where are you from?
Where are you from? Worcester, Western Cape
Worcester, Western Cape
In what section are you?
In what section are you? Lovely Lambda
Mu
What do you study?
What do you study?
BCom Actuarial Science ll
Occupational Therapy l
Are you a morning or an evening person?
Are you a morning or an evening person? Evening person
Do you mostly have online or face-to-face classes? Which do you enjoy more? Mostly online, but I enjoy face-to-face more.
I am a proud night owl.
Do you mostly have online or face-to-face classes? Which do you enjoy more? I have a mixture of both. My lectures are online and my tutorials are face-to-face. I prefer online since I can watch the videos in my own time. But I also do enjoy going to class and
.
being able to ask questions without stressing about my mic
What is your favourite breakfast in the morning?
What is your favourite breakfast in the morning?
Avocado on toast
This is a really weird fact about myself, but I don’t eat anything before 11am. So I skip breakfast, but I usually drink a cup of
Where is your go-to study place? My desk or my bed.
green tea when I wake up.
Where is your go-to study place? My room and the Neelsie(for the MyBrew coffee).
What is your favourite study snack? Popcorn
What is your favourite study snack? Green olives and Flings.
Something you do other than academics during the day?
Something you do other than academics during the day?
Watch series, go for a walk or play tennis with my
poems and short stories. I also love listening to mindfulness
friends.
podcasts.
What is usually your highlight during the day? Definitely when my work is done & I can socialize with my friends.
I read a lot, I journal every day and I do creative writing like
What is usually your highlight during the day? Late night talks about everything and anything with my roomie.
What is your favourite thing about Minerva? The Third Floor. The people, the balcony, the views. I love
What is your favourite thing about Minerva? The gees!
everything about the third floor.
The art of having difficult conversations BY SHANE SWART
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to speak and get carried away by things such as your favorite band, artists or fashion icons , but as soon as a sensitive topic is brought up , everyone seems less eager and passionate to speak up ? But why are difficult or sensitive conversations so difficult? Humans are by nature emotional creatures. We are driven by our emotions and act accordingly to it. We are also unique and have our own opinions , values and perspective and when these get challenged , our initial reaction is to withdraw or start to argue which then ultimately leads to conflict . People are also quite set on their beliefs and views and other times are often uneducated about a certain topic. So when a sensitive topic is brought to light and it opposes that person’s belief or one sided perspective , conflict arises and this is what makes sensitive conversations so difficult. Thus , in the end nothing has been resolved nor a new understanding about the topic. But are difficult conversations really necessary ? Yes! Difficult conversations revolving around sensitive topics such as race and various social constructs are important as it helps people to gain perspective and a deeper understanding about these topics. Without these conversation we can’t gain insight on what is going on around us and how is this influencing the people around me. Without these conversations , we cannot move forward and implement change. Now , how do we have these difficult conversations in a safe and respectable fashion? Below are some guidelines you can follow when having your next difficult conversation. First and foremost , ensure that you create a safe environment or platform where people will feel at ease and safe to share their views and experiences. Lay out some foundation and ground rules such as what will be discussed and what the desired outcome is. Acknowledge different perspectives . Realize everyone is unique and are shaped by different circumstances and experiences. Acknowledge each other’s feelings by listening attentively. People will have different perspectives but these should not be dismissed, disrespected or diminished. Accept fear. During these types of conversations it is normal to feel anxious or fearful about people’s responses and reactions towards the topic at hand. It is thus important that communication and expression of views are done with compassion. Exercise humility. We are after all human, so accept the fact that we make mistakes and that intent doesn’t always deliver the desired outcome. Reflect on the feedback and seek to understand how to align your outcome with your intent more closely next time. Accept the fact that you have some learning to do. It is perfectly fine not to have all the knowledge or information ; that is why we have these difficult conversations in order to gain deeper understanding. Having these difficult conversations has become a necessity and helps us to gain insight and it also identifies places where change needs to happen in order to grow and move forward. Nelson Mandela once said , “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Please note that the above guidelines were adapted from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development UK.
How to do winter on a budget BY CELESTÉ MULDER
It’s no secret that Stellenbosch students have tight budgets. It’s the whole premise of the crowd favourite song: “dis altyd lente”, in which Nic Stevens remind us that we are “studente sonder sente” (a.k.a. students without cents). Winter can be rough on the budget because what’s better than a Vida-coffee on a rainy day, or a new jacket to match with every outfit? Here are some helpful tips for how to do a winter wardrobe on a budget.
1 2 3
Be a cheapskate! Try to only buy clothes that are on sale and stay out of shops that don’t have a big red sale sign in the window. When you are conscious of how much an item costs, an expensive item can easily become ugly.
Think practical when buying winter clothes. Buy mostly neutral colours and only a few bold statement pieces. A black puffer jacket is much more practical than a neon pink one, but a neon pink accessory, like a handbag or earrings, can make a big impact.
Stick to the basics. Decide on what type of style you like and buy clothes accordingly. It’s a good idea to have a warm jacket, windbreaker, boots, comfortable tekkie-like shoes, sweatpants and jeans in your closet. From there you’re just a Pinterest inspiration photo away from creating the perfect outfit.
4
Make a reusable travel mug part of your daily outfit if you like hot beverages.
5
When you want to do a big shopping trip, opt for Access Park in Bellville
Vida e Caffè and My Brew coffees will drain your bank account faster than any night on the town. And what’s trendier than being sustainable, while being responsible with your money?!
rather than V&A Waterfront. There you can find factory stores for Cotton On, Nike, Cape Union Mart, the list goes on. It’s only a 28-minute drive from Stellenbosch and can make the perfect day out with friends.
When doing winter on a budget, always remember that an Ackermans knitted jersey looks exactly like a Woolworths one when the price tag is off. Don’t be ashamed of bargain hunting or looking for good deals. You’ll find that you can afford to do much more and buy much more when you buy smarter.
BY SHREYA NAIR
Whether you’re in need of a quick study break or just simply looking for a new podcast to listen to - we have some great recommendations for you!
Genre - Autobiographical Celebrity autobiographies tend to be self-aggrandizing or, even worse, implores pity.
This
one
McConaughey
however, bears
his
is life
anything lessons
but
in
a
any
of
refreshing
those way
qualities. by
cloaking
Matthew them
in
treasured memories from his childhood and unexpected journey to stardom. There are many stories from Matthew’s life that clearly formed his signature individuality from his experience preparing for his challenging role in Dallas Buyers Club to the first time meeting his now wife, Camilla, in the most serendipitous way - being a few memorable ones. There are of course, his more serious life experiences and traumas written in a mature and thoughtful perspective. Greenlights is an anecdotal memoir with raw honesty and vulnerability, coupled with McConaughey’s Southern wit and charm. For an even more special experience, enjoy this autobiography in audiobook form read by Matthew McConaughey himself - his smooth Texan accent makes the pages come alive!
Genre - Society & Culture Shame. We all have it, we all want to get rid of it. Society perpetuates the ideal of perfection
in
a
beautifully
imperfect
world.
This
podcast
hosted
by
celebrated
activist and actor, Jameela Jamil, focuses on these shames and insecurities people have by essentially rebranding the definition of worth. No topic is off-limits and this podcast aims to discuss the harsh truths and realities faced by many in the large scope
of
individuals.
Jameela
hosts
interesting
and
influential
guests,
from
performers to activists and thought-leaders, the discussions hope to enlighten and educate listeners on prevalent issues with a dash of wit to bring some lightness to deeply serious topics. There is so much to learn and it is often difficult to know where to start, this podcast has a range of episodes to choose from depending on what you’re looking for and each one has something worth listening to. Taking the step to broadening your knowledge in a convenient and accessible way is at our fingertips, it’s our duty to harness this opportunity and I Weigh is a brilliant place to start!
BY SHREYA NAIR
Address - 146 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch Nestled among the buzzing Dorp Street is a quaint and serene coffee shop with a welcoming and calming atmosphere. The setting of BC&B is open and spacious with small tables scattered throughout the polished concrete floor space and hard to miss old school black chalkboards hung high on the wall displaying its menu. There is an enjoyable range of sandwiches, salads, breakfasts, pastries, hot beverages and the main attraction - a daily selection of specialty cakes. Their menu has something for everyone and the cakes have unique flavours such as raspberry banana and caramel or spiced cinnamon and walnut butterscotch cake (cue Google Maps for directions to BC&B). Pricing is reasonable, quality is spectacular and servings are generous so you’re sure to get bang for your buck! Daily specials are available which are fresh and affordable. Another feature to excite is their Friday Cake Giveaway where you enter a lucky draw, by purchasing a coffee before noon on Friday, to win a freshly-made mini speciality cake!
The Blue Crane & The Butterfly is definitely worth the visit and whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of uni life.
Genre - Romantic Comedy Tired of deeply serious limited series and movies? I know I am - sometimes all you need is a delightful romcom to unwind and have a few laughs to warm your heart. Did You Hear About The Morgans? follows Paul (Hugh Grant) and Meryl Morgan
(Sarah
Jessica
Parker),
a
newly-separated
couple
with
a
pending
divorce, as they are thrown into the witness protection programme in Ray, Wyoming - upon witnessing a murder in their hometown of New York City. This sweet and amusing story chronicles the adjustment of two city-goers' lives to the
countryside,
while
redefining
their
relationship
in
the
most
unusual
circumstance. This star-studded cast brings bright hilarity to a beautifully filmed movie and Hugh Grant’s dry British humour never disappoints! Sometimes a classic romcom is all you need to satisfy your craving for a good movie.
Have you done your Mental Health Check today? BY ROCHELLE COMBRINK
Hopefully, you are all diligently completing your health checks daily. But how diligent are you with doing a regular mental health check when there is no section HC member or mentor looking over your shoulder?
Don't you find it necessary then? Maybe this will make you think twice: - 1 in 4 people suffer from some sort of mental illness.
That would accumulate to 67 Minervianers having some sort of mental illness.
- 8 out of 100 young adults suffer from serious depression. That would theoretically mean that 21 Minervianers have serious depression.
- 3 out of 4 people suffering from mental illness do not receive treatment.
Why is it that we need something as concrete as statistics to validate that a problem is a problem? We as a society suffer in silence, failing to check in with ourselves and validate the wounds not visible to the naked eye. Mental illness is real. Very real. How come every other organ in your body can get sick and receive treatment, except the brain?
We live in an era where we are quick to look after our physical selves and even quicker to help others. But how quick are we to acknowledge when the load gets a little heavy, our minds get a little messy, and our smiles a little less sincere? Where is the swift action we express in our physical health and the welfare of others, then? Mental health problems are real. The more we acknowledge it, the less the stigma surrounding it will hold true.
We spend most of our lives inside our heads. Let us be diligent in making it a healthy place to be. To help with this, complete a regular mental health check by asking yourself these questions:
1. When last did I eat a whole meal? 2. When last did I breathe deeply? 3. When was the last time I went outside? 4. What can I do to give me joy? 5. When last did I do something kind for someone else/myself? 6. What is taking up most of my headspace? 7. What can I celebrate today? 8. When was the last time I acknowledged and shared my feelings?
Be kind to yourself. All physical and emotional wounds ought to heal in time. In the meantime, try journaling, meditating (The app Headspace is highly recommended!), and breathing through the process.
tea) on the balcony always
A cup of tea (especially positivi
seems to help too!
PS: If the healing process is too overwhelming and the progress seems too daunting, the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), is a wonderful place to seek guidance. Address: 37 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch Tel: 021 808 4707 / 021 808 4994 24-hour crisis service: 010 205 3032 / 082 557 0880
How To Glow Up Productively BY NOTHILE MTHEMBU
It’s 2021 and we’re still in a pandemic but as always, THE SHOW MUST GO ON. Some of us are doing well academically, some of us are coping but it seems like the student in most of us died on random day in March last year and honestly no one knows how to recover from that. But hey, we can at least try. A quick reminder: sometimes hyper productivity can be very damaging and toxic. It can make a lot of individuals feel bad about themselves for not achieving certain things at a certain time or deadline. Everyone has their own definition of being productive and there isn’t a handbook on how to live your life correctly Productivity looks different, being productive could mean taking care of yourself to some people, it could mean doing something that makes you happy, and it could also mean working towards a certain goal and getting things done. Today we’re going to merge all of these together because being a student is hard and we need all the productivity in the world just to make it through this semester. So, where would one even start? Well, here’s one thing you need to know, procrastination is the only thing in your way right now. Every time we procrastinate, we have a choice: either to procrastinate or to overcome the urge to procrastinate. Procrastination doesn’t only exist in the academic world; it exists in other aspects of our lives because we are more than just students and humans who live in Minerva. We own businesses, we make art, we are dancers, tutors, athletes, writers, creatives, and so much more. So, when one thing outweighs the other and you start to lose your mind, you start to procrastinate and when you do that, you put off starting that business, that YouTube channel, and that song you were thinking about writing. Next thing you’re searching for a new k-drama to watch and someone comes up with a similar song and that essay you had months to do, is due tomorrow. It happens! We can fix this though. So, here are a few tips and tricks on how to be productive: TRACK YOUR TIME – it’s a bit cliché but I think we all know that time management is key. Planning your personal time is easier when you know how you’re spending your time. Break down your tasks, apps like Notion and Google calendar are very helpful with creating a work routine. SET ACHIEVABLE GOALS – goals are a great way to motivate yourself however don’t set goals that are not realistic because you will be so used to not achieving them and you’ll eventually stop trying. Set goals that will motivate you and if you’re someone who struggles to stick to them, create small consequences for not meeting your goals. CHOOSE YOUR WORKSPACE CAREFULLY – find your quiet zone or a place where you know you’ll be able to focus. It could be the library, a coffee shop or one of our balconies! TACKLE YOUR HARDEST TASK FIRST – once you’ve completed your hardest and least enjoyable task, your life becomes so much e.asier. You’ll be more enthusiastic about getting through the rest of your work. ·
READ LESS FICTION – we tend to get lost in the world of fiction and fictional characters so it’s best to read books with a purpose. There’s nothing wrong with a good plotline but try to also read books that will contribute to your personal development. Here’s your first one – Atomic Habits by James Clear. LISTEN TO THE RIGHT MUSIC – not everyone listens to music when they study, but when you do, try to listen to music that keeps you focused. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN – kill Instagram. Kill it when you’re studying. Kill it for yourself. Seeing what people are up to is very distracting. Put your phone down and you’ll see how much work you can get done. Time yourself if you must, go an hour without touching it and you’ll gradually learn how to stop being distracted by your phone. TAKE A BREAK – this is probably everyone’s favourite part. Do not overwork yourself. Do not bury yourself in work. Get out of your room. Take breaks in between and do something completely different from your studies, watch something on YouTube but don’t get carried away. Also, take a break from academia in general and join a society or create a hobby for yourself. Its important that you have a life outside of your schoolwork. Also, be spontaneous sometimes, its okay to break away from your routine once in a while. Do things that make you happy and always prioritize your mental health. Just remember, it’s okay to enjoy life as it is. Don’t ever feel guilty.
Study playlists & YouTube videos
YouTube videos to help with productivity
Studying Spots in Stellenbosch Minerva study hall
https://youtu.be/lTRiuFI
https://youtu.be/rXBgKe
WV54 - study with Lofi
2PDsI - Procrastination is
Girl
a RELENTLESS beast, but
https://youtu.be/Cno9n
we can fix this.
C8L0Ec - songs to make
https://youtu.be/9J31_p
studying suck less
SjEe4 - how I organize
https://youtu.be/sjkrrmB
my life for school & work!
npGE - ambient study
(with Notion)
The Jan Mouton
music to concentrate.
https://youtu.be/qF6y2A
Learning Centre
https://youtu.be/mUeZD
fVzAk - trying the 1-
u9rBH8 - homework &
billion-dollar morning
study
routine!
https://www.youtube.co
https://youtu.be/gi3Ua0
m/watch?
FeW4s - 11 things you can
v=V1Pl8CzNzCw&list=PLC
do RIGHT NOW to be
ULndnUE-_qsejHmyrPbci-
more productive.
RmI6liGbl - 2021 Study Playlist
Our balcony The AmaMaties Hub
The Wimbledon Hub
BY NABEELAH DOMINGO
What is the Social Impact Committee and why is it important to participate in their initiatives? Let us tell you more about the work done by this amazing committee!
The world that we live in can be one of countless things. It can be beautiful to some and startling to others. As the population, the inhabitants of this world we decide how we live, what we live for and how valuable life is to us. We should strive to live everyday to the fullest and make the world a better place to live in. What better way to do that than to join the Social Impact Committee? Minerva’s Social Impact committee aims to not only change lives, but to promote growth and prosperity among a larger community while collaborating with others. Throughout the term they have engaged in a variety of activities including, but not limited to the School Shoe Drive, the Sandwich drive,
Dignity Period and the UCT fire donations. The school shoe drive is an initiative where school shoes are being collected for learners who cannot afford them and each section plans to contribute a certain amount towards the cause. The sandwich drive is very similar as sandwiches are being made and are distributed to shelters and around campus. In the foreseeable future they plan to participate in a myriad of other activities including visiting the nearby animal shelter and even doing beach cleanups. This committee is about giving back to the community and is open for all to participate in. Why make a change, when you can make an impact?
Sustainability Looks Good on You! BY MIA FOURIE
I think if I ran down Minerva’s hallways yelling “SUSTAINABILITY IS SEXYYY!”, most Minervianers would probably leave tuts in open tabs to join me! Were I to scream “Name Five Ways Minerva Supports Sustainability In Res?!”, the response would probably sound something like my roommate’s motivation to get out of bed in the mornings - a faint moan in the distance. the Although we LOVE flaunting our sustainable side in res, we often take these habits for granted. I for one was flabbergasted when I realised that people were forgetting their butter lettuce in the section landings ON PURPOSE! These traditions are not celebrated enough and many Minervianers live in oblivion to the lengths Minerva goes to be Simply The Greenest res on campus. BUT FEAR NOT! With the help of Jo [Sustainability HC] and Levi [MinervaToMinerva HC] we have compiled all these need to know facts in one place… and here it is, published in your favourite magazine – for your convenience… what I like to call ‘The List Of Sexy Enlightenment’… ENJOY! Eco-bricks – you might have noticed empty soda bottles standing around in section landings. These are not litter, but rather an effort to reduce plastic waste and repurpose your single use plastics by turning it into a brick. Eco-brick companies use the bricks to build buildings, benches etc. Sections compete to see who can fill up the most eco-bricks and stand a chance to win a prize! Shower in bursts - Everyone in Minerva is encouraged to take short showers in an effort to reduce our water waste. Soak up; Soap up; Rinse off. There are also buckets in some showers to collect water in for reusable purposes, like watering Minerva’s vegetable garden at Coetzenburg. Food waste – Been in a situation where you have a perfectly good bag of butter lettuce, but you’re about to leave res for the weekend and won’t be able to use it before it goes off? I know I have! In each section landing there is a table where you can leave your food that is about to expire. In this way another Minervianer could enjoy it so it doesn’t get wasted… FREE FOOOOD!!! Reusable straws – Stunning, Minerva-themed straws at a decent price… it doesn’t get better than that. Boomerang bags – Minerva has it’s very own shopping bag library! In the foyer there are reusable shopping bags that you can use to do shopping with and then return to the foyer after. Jo suggests keeping an eye out for future sustainability comm events that will include fun activities where everyone can participate in the sustainability, as well as learn more about the topic. Sanitary drive – A year-round initiative collecting donations for products like pads, toiletries and any other bathroom items. Also doing fundraisers for buying these items for the care cupboard
Education - stationery drive, textbook loaning platform with Google sheet online to show who has textbooks available to lend, tutoring/skull sharing events in Res. Fundraising also to go towards sponsoring educational items such as textbooks, for instance Nsfas students who got less funding this year. Care Cupboard- collecting donations/buying items through fundraising for items that Res needs, putting out a Google form to identify what people need in res. Levi also encourages a random acts of kindness campaign in res, where the house shows random acts such as sharing snacks/food, teaching each other new things and stuff like that... So here they are – everything you didn’t know you needed to know concerning how sexy Minerva is… because if sustainability is sexy, then Minerva must be Simply The Sexiest.
Important dates for you calendar! We know you’ve got nothing going on. (Jokes! If only, right?) But we got you! Put these dates in your calender! Never miss a moment in Minerva!
June
BY ALME' HUGO
(Pride & Youth Month)
July (Mandela Month)
1 - 4 ~ Pride week!
2nd ~ I forgot day (Hope you’re not
1st ~ International dare day. (We dare you
writing an exam today…)
to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing)
2nd ~ Sandwich drive during lunch and sustainability event
5th ~ World environment day (Go watch the sunset at Coetzenburg to appreciate the
4th ~ US independence day (We’ll watch them lose their minds from a distance)
6th ~ International kissing day. (Don’t go wild, you crazy kids…)
7th ~ Chocolate day!
beauty Stellies’ has to offer!)
18th ~ Mandela Day
8th ~ Women empowerment event
18th ~ International ice cream day! (Free
8th ~ Best Friends day. (Go do Happy Hour
ice cream cone with every burger from
at Fool’s Gold Social Bar from 17h-18h with
De Vrije Burger)
your bestie!)
24th ~ First semester ends! (Have a
16th ~ Youth Day 18th ~ Classes end for the semester. (Get your butt on a chair and start studying for exams!)
18th ~ International picnic day! (Why not grab a basket, a blanket and some friends and head to Jan Marais park for a picnic?)
20th ~ Father’s day 29th ~ Hug holiday (This one isn’t official, we just think you need to give someone a hug. We’re all gonna need it in the middle of exams!)
lovely recess!)
EDITION 1 | 2021