PLEIADES 2022

PLEIADES plai-uh-deez | may 2022

Aquila | Andromeda | Columba | Crater | Crux | Dorado | Draco | Lynx Lyra | Orion | Pegasus | Phoenix

PLEIADES

CONTENTS Leadership and personal development

Critical engagement

Irene's first semester highlights

In this issue: Meet the team Irene archives Stellenbosch love town Leadership and personal development Why South African graduates should stay in the country Fast Fashion Importance of sleep In the thick of the Bosch Get to know our VP xoxo gossip girl Comic Strip Irene Bingo Irene Highlights The Ultimate Irene Playlist

Meet the

EDITORS

Sagittarius 'Make Up Your Mind'- Florence + The Machine

Jani Knoetze

Dear Reader It is my absolute privilege to be able to write the introduction to the first Pleiades issue of 2022.

I must, first and foremost, give credit to the work done by the amazing editorial and writing team. The women who made this issue happen have exceeded all expectations, and I hope you will be able to enjoy this issue exactly as I have envisioned it: Starry, whimsical lines. Intellectual writing, and typed daydreams. A nostalgic feel, contrasted by a modern outlook.

May this magazine, and Irene, only move forward and continue to grow as I have been able to in my years here. I leave you with a favourite quote ~ "To the stars who listen, and the dreams that are answered."

Annerine Strauss

Aries 'Woman'-Mumford & Sons

Dear Reader, Welcome to this little corner of the world. This year has kicked off much faster than I imagined it would and it has definitely been a whirlwind ever since. I am writing this note on 5 hours of sleep and 2 cups of coffee (and it’s only 10 in the morning). For many of the seniors in res, this year has been the first year that we actually have class on campus.

And let me tell you, it definitely has been something to get used to. As a BA student I have not only been learning new things in class, but I have also been entertained more than anything really, because in every single class there is some sort of debate…

Kamohelo Mashiloane

But wow, I have been so happy to have this experience and to learn something new from people every day. And just like I do in class, I learn from my fellow Ireners every day. I have loved editing this magazine together with Kamo. Writing is such a big passion and outlet for me, just like it is for our writers. Pleiades is filled with love and things our writers are passionate about. My wish is to keep on learning from the writers and laughing with them while we are all trying to pronounce “Pleiades”. I hope you feel that love and passion overflowing from our writers when you read this magazine. My dream for everyone reading this magazine is that it will make you laugh, think, and maybe also learn something new.

Dear Reader, Timeless, is a word I would use to describe this edition of Pleiades.

We’re taken back to the early days of Irene and it is both captivating and sweet to imagine that era. 59 years later, our team has created a nostalgic and educational experience for its readers. This issue really reflects Irene in a lot of aspects and how incredibly diverse we are in our thinking.

I’m a sucker for the delicate art of making playlists and I also have a theory that I was in a band (‘Wedding Singer’ type) in my past life, so naturally, I was thrilled to make compile “Irene’s top 100”.

Aquaries 'Hurricane'- Kanye West, The Weeknd & Lil Baby

The design process for Pleisades was quite therapeutic and really exercised my right brain. I've always struggled to immerse in an activity outside of academics but it has proven very beneficial.

Working alongside Annerine and this team of talented writers was such a pleasure. I hope this issue serves as a reminder to dream, gives you perspective, and encourages you to find inspiration in all the right places, especially in yourself.

Meet the

Writers

Buhle Bam Capricorn 'Phantom Regret by Jim'- The Weeknd

Jenè Venter Gemini 'Old Pine'- Ben Howard

Karla Jonker Cancer 'Beige'- Yore Lore

Amelie Campher Gemini 'Bad Day'- Sammy Rash

Kiara Wales Gemini '505'- Artic Monkeys

Athraa Abrahams Taurus 'Georgia'- Phoebe Bridgers

"We all have a better guide in ourselves if we would attend to it, than any other person could be."

JANE AUSTEN ON INSPIRATION

Something from Irenetjie’s past

Irene archives

- Irene had a House song which was written by the first House Mother, Ma Sue. It was sung at the end of every House meeting and went like this:

-Karla Jonker The doors of Irene Residence first opened in 1963.

That means that Irenetjie is now 59 years old, which is a little wiser than most of us current Ireners…

The residence initially housed 169 Ireners until it was renovated in 2013 to its current state, whereafter it could house 321 Ireners. It was the 9th female residence built on Stellenbosch University campus and it was named after a flower – this was the trend back in the day, as we can see from Nerina, Erica and Nemesia. ‘Irene’ has a double meaning as it is also the name of the Greek Goddess of peace. Our beloved Irenetjie, as well as the house’s dove symbol, was born from this meaning.

Delving into Irene’s archives was a bit difficult as we don’t have many precise records, information, or photos from previous events, but doesn’t that make it all the more exciting? Here are a few stories, facts and traditions taken from Irene’s archives.

When Ma Sue took us into Irene she told us that we must be young ladies with standards and morals and poise, and a treat for the young men to see Ha-ha-ha Irene, goodnight Irene, Irene goodnight.

Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene, I see you in my dreams.

It is so inspiring to see how far Irene has come and how much has changed since 1963. Although this old house song seems short and sweet, Ireners today have a different set of values. Ubuntu, respect, integrity, empathy and humility are the values that we now build our house upon. That is the beauty of change, we can look back to the past and see how bright our present has grown to be.

- Until 1989, First years were called “Kuikens” or “Chicks” which was a play on Irenetjie and the fact that First Years were still young ‘chicks’. They were addressed in this manner up until a traditional ceremony called “Doop”. Here they would dress up as yellow chicks with beaks and feathers and write their names and signatures down, symbolically agreeing to the Irene pledge in order to lose their “Kuiken” title and become Ireners. “Doop” was voted out in ’89 and became Orientation (O-week).

- In the very beginning, Irene had bathing times.

Ireners were not allowed to bath after: · 23:15 from Monday to Thursday · 23:30 form Fridays to Saturdays · 22:30 on Sundays - Irene’s slogan was “Die Huis met styl”, meaning: The House with style.

- In 1972, Irene celebrated their 10-year reunion by having a House dinner at the Nelson Mandela Hotel. The cost was R4,60 to attend.

- The cost of being part of the film society in 1975 was R3 per year.

- Irene originally had 9 sections and they were only known as section 1, 2, 3 etc.

1963, Irene

- Here are a few of the past Housefundsdance themes: · 1986: “The guy I went with was a jerk but otherwise it was great” · 1987: “Orient Express” · 1988: “California” (… apparently, an Irener stole another Irener’s date that night…) · 1989: “Opposites attract” (Majuba residence stole all Irene’s cutlery before the dance as a prank, luckily, they got it back in time) · 1990: “Anything that starts with a P and masks” – no, not Covid masks…

One of Irene's first logos

- There used to be a go kart race every year between the different residences as a big social event. Irene had quite the reputation in these races as the Ireners usually went all out!

- The original Irene magazine was called the “Fluistervink” meaning “the whispering finch”. Here is a humorous motivating extract out of the “Fluistervink” of 1999: LIFE HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER! What makes you get up in the morning… The smell of deep-fried breakfast? Your roomie’s alarm? The neverending rush to the bathroom? “Gaan jy psyche toe?” Or simply the thought of another beautiful day on Planet Matie?

Yes, fellow Irener, you have arrived. Houston, we no longer have a problem. We have established life.

You’re supposed to have the time of your life, so dammit, have it! Live it! So what if you’re averaging 8 hours of sleep a week, so what if you’re living in Terrace or Brollocks and not in the bib? So what if you’re writing another ‘siek-toets’? So what if you’re OD-ing on caffeine?

You’re the only one who can guarantee your own slice of cake. Go out there, fill your lungs with air and have fun!!

This is the university of life, deal with it, cram if you have to, spot if you have to, but don’t miss out on the little things. It’s all those little moments of happiness that make it worthwhile. And when you leave at the end of three years, four years, okay, five years, at least have something to take with you – an endless supply of good memories!!

Next time listen to that Camel man; One life, live it!

‘Cause life has never been better!!

Primaria, 1969

Primaria, 1975

Irene's logo before the current one

With Love , from :

Stellenbosch -Athraa Abrahams

Love comes in various shapes and sizes. It is easy to come by for others and harder for some but nevertheless the idealistic will always believe that love makes the world go around. Perhaps for someone who was read fairytales before bed love is something that only happens there – in books - or love is the factor that keeps them sane. For another person who has maybe been hurt by love it could be the very villain of their own tale. The point being love plays a role in our lives whether we acknowledge it or not. Whether you are the realist, idealist or pessimistic – it is there.

As you walk down Victoria Street. You bear witness to love when two friends laugh with one another as they walk down the red brick road. You see it in the couple, fingers intertwined smiling. Headphones in – your favourite song is playing and you can not love it. It is there marching down the street with Ms. Independent rushing to her morning lecture. Passion. Drive. At first glance it is not viewed as love. She loves herself hard enough to make an 8-year-old girl proud.

Love can be ugly and tragic too. On a lonely Friday night at the bottom of a beer bottle. The stolen sip from your morning coffee that burns your tongue. The argument you had with your significant other. Tears are spent on a person who does not care enough. Tears are shed for a degree that does not make sense. Anxiety for a future that is not clear. No direction. No plan. It is not easy to love.

It is hard to find love in any of these cases, but one must urge the non-believer to look up. It is there in the everyday student of Stellenbosch. The awkward exchanges of smiles and eyes with passing strangers are split-second moments of love.

“Those that don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Roald Dahl The hopeless romantics will tell you that love is out there whether it is star crossed, platonic or the split-second Victoria Street love. If you cannot find it then be it. Love is created from the little magic humans have and it can be good or bad like any other being, entity or emotion. At the end of the day love is a choice. Choose love and create a little magic in Stellenbosch with me.

"You cannot always expect to be the smartest person in the room, but you can promise to be the hardest working" -KETANJI BROWN JACKSON

A series of HC interviews took place on their roles, portfolios, and details about their duties. This article presents the findings which were quite enlightening - see this as ‘the guide to becoming an HC’.

TEAMWORK

A summary of HC talks by: Jessica Cudjonu Ababalwe Ntabeni Mongezi Ntshangase Jenna Lioul

HC Development

Teamwork. In line with the cliché, it actually does make the dream work. The key to being an HC is collaborating with a team. The effort it takes to be an HC is both emotionally and physically taxing, so where do they draw that much motivation from? Each other.

The dynamic that should exist in a team is one that allows individuals to be themselves; one that allows effective conflict resolution through communication; and one that provides a safe space to vent after a long day in the office without any judgment. The residence is a reflection of the team, which is why it is so important to maintain a good relationship amongst team members.

Passion Next up is Passion. The only way to bring about change is when you feel strongly about it. It is assumed that after welcoming, an HCs job is over or reduced significantly. Meanwhile, that’s when the real work begins, the work that you may not see or acknowledge as an Irener, the ‘behind the scenes running of the residence’.

As an HC your work is not always going to be seen in hindsight, so this is where the passion comes in. When you are passionate about helping people and bringing about positive changes and improvements in the residence, you are willing to put in the work regardless of being seen or praised. It's more about removing the blazer to get your hands dirty than treasuring the blazer and placing identity in it

"IF YOUR HEART ISN’T IN IT – THE STUFF YOU GO THROUGH ISN’T WORTH IT. YOUR INTENTIONS NEED TO BE PURE." NASIRA LEMMETJIES

Career Growth

And last and but not least, growth. You are about to step into a space where you could interact with dozens of people on a weekly basis. You will ultimately have to learn interpersonal skills like how to tackle and apply emotional intelligence, knowing how to care for an Irener going through a rough patch in a calm and effective manner, conflict resolution tactics, reading a room during meetings and house discussions and knowing when and when not to make jokes.

You will also get to network with people of different positions which is an extremely helpful way to dip your foot into the world of adulthood. Is is therefore, almost imperative to have an open mind to all these new changes that are yet to occur when you land the position.

"UNFORTUNATELY NOTHING CAN PREPARE YOU FOR HC BECAUSE IT CAN THROW YOU IN EVERY WHICH DIRECTION." LIZE-MARIE MARAIS Apart from the career growth that comes with the job, there is quite a bit of personal growth as well. You will be thrown into situations that require you to adapt almost immediately, an emergency knock on the door at 3am or even actual fire alarms.

Personal Growth

You also have to find a balance between academics and being HC. As well as an emotional balance between being an HC and your personal life. Many HCs said that they felt like their duties and portfolios have integrated into their daily living. They have been taught how to think in a different light and perform certain tasks in a more efficient way. Some have also gotten the chance to fulfil their personal need to help others through the role.

Becoming an HC is about a lot of sacrifice, but it’s also about gaining invaluable life lessons you can never get from a 5-minute YouTube video. So, the question is, are you ready?

“WHAT YOU GIVE IS NOT WHAT YOU GET BACK. DON’T GO INTO IT EXPECTING THE GLORY, MOST OF THE WORK IS BEHIND THE SCENES AND THE GRINDING HAPPENS IN THE DARK'' Pauli Brown

"KEEP THAT GOAL AND WORK TOWARDS IT, DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF IT." KWENZOKUHLE KHUMALO

Why South African graduates should stay in the country -Jenè Venter Nkosi sikelel' Afrika…

South Africa. Our birthplace, our home, our country. The land of gold, vineyards, mountains, wildlife, diversity, and opportunity. We live in one of the most promising countries in the whole world. So why are people leaving?

Statistics South Africa estimated in 2020 that 115 000 South Africans would leave the country by 2021. Their estimations were correct. South Africans are migrating out of our beloved country by thousands. Most people that are immigrating have advanced degrees and jobs that make a major contribution to our economy. When these people leave the country we call it, “capital flight.”

Capital flight has an enormous negative impact on our economy since the country’s most valuable workers are packing their bags.

This leaves us with a burning question – why stay? If most people with advanced degrees are moving out of the country, why should we as young graduates pursue our careers in a country that seems to be on the brink of economic collapse? The answer is actually quite simple and can be captured in one word – OPPORTUNITY. It is no secret that Africa is on the rise. Africa is the continent with the most under-utilized resources and labor market on the planet. More than that, out of the whole of Africa it can be argued that South Africa is the country with the most potential for growth. Every day there seems to be a South African entrepreneur popping up with ideas about sustainable energy, better education, job creation, and more. Our country has a relatively young economy that makes it possible for young graduates like us to fill these economic gaps.

Because of our young economy, foreign investors that recognize potential are eager to invest in young South African entrepreneurs. The opportunities are endless. Even the “negative” aspects of our country can be seen as opportunities for growth. Loadshedding, corruption, unemployment, and illiteracy are all just problems waiting to be solved by passionate South Africans who believe in the potential greatness of our country. Nothing has ever gotten better by everyone saying, “I’ll just leave the problem for someone else to solve.”

So, young future graduate, what are you going to do? The future of our country is in YOUR hands!

Stand up and be courageous. Be brave and seize the glorious opportunities that our wonderful country has to offer. It is up to you to make the change!

"Africa is on the rise play your part rise with it"

"THE WORLD CAN BE BETTER IF THERE'S LOVE TOLERANCE AND HUMILITY Irena Sendler

FAST FASHION IS A NO, NO -KIara Wales The fast fashion industry, much like the fast-food outlets beloved by many, such as our all-too-familiar Colonel Saunders and the big ‘M,’ is one which stems from our generation’s affinity for instant gratification. The prevalence of brands such as Zaful and Shein can also be attributed to what we prioritize in the modern age, i.e., that which is fashionable and cheaply priced rather than that which is sustainable and beneficial to the longevity of our environment and those who work to create the items, but hard on our pockets.

Now comes the part of the article where most readers, myself included, would tend to see a nonsensical jumble of numbers and skip to the comic strip, but I beseech you to view these figures as humans just like you and I, because once the skin is peeled back we are all the same, and plants like those with which you decorate your room in the goal of improving its overall aesthetic, because nature is just that; something to be wondered at for both its beauty and its functionality.

It is important to note that in Bangladesh alone, over 3.5 million children (between the ages of 5 and 17) work, with the vast majority forming part of the textile industry’s labour force. Their parents cite low wages and long working hours as reasons for which they are taken out of school and put to work in accordance with the needs of clothing brands which only provide adult workers with 1/3 of the accepted minimum wage in third world nations, and children with an average rate of R30 a day.

Due to the ever-increasing demand for cheaply produced, fashionable clothing items, children work up to 110 hours a week in sweatshops to cater for the millions of online clothing orders received by brands such as Zaful, Shein, Lulu’s, Boohoo, PrincessPolly, and even the familiar logo of H&M.

Anit-Sweatshop protest, Bangladesh

"Fast fashion isn't FREE. Someone, somewhere is paying."

LUCY SIEGLE

Aside from the humanitarian issues which the fast fashion industry raises, the environmental impact of the continual production of dye, which is harmful to the ecosystem, as well as the water wastage which takes place in the manufacturing of clothing must be taken into consideration too.

The fast fashion industry alone produces 92 million tons of waste, in the forms of carbon dioxide emissions, water consumption, chemical pollution, and textile waste, every year. This impacts every facet of the ecosystem, from the furry animals which we coo at, to the equally important critters such as earthworms and frogs which we do not view with the same reverence but play a critical role in the maintenance of our planet’s homeostatic balance all the same.

All in all, it should be evident to all who view these statistics that continued contribution to the funding of the fast fashion industry is detrimental to the overall health of all beings on our beautiful blue planet, no matter how cute that Zaful bikini may be. It goes without saying that it should be taken into consideration that not everyone is fortunate enough to have monetary or physical access to often-overpriced sustainable brands which support sustainable environmental and humanitarian practices, and thus it would be unfair to witch-hunt those who purchase items produced by the fast fashion industry.

This article merely serves to inform those who are in a position to make different choices from those which they currently pursue and encourage the support of brands which do no harm to that which we see around us, such as Pact, Quince, Reformation, VETTA, or even simple apps designed specifically for the sale of second-hand clothing which are accessible to most, such as ThredUp and Depop.

Although the crux of this very article is rooted in the idea of a disregard for momentary trends in favour of continual morality, there is one fashion trend to which I believe we should all lend our support, this being thrifting and the ‘up-cycling’ of existing clothing items rather than simply throwing material away and contributing to existing pollution levels.

Thrifting was a practice once looked down upon as the simple means by which those who could not afford the regular fashion outlets acquired basic items of clothing which they required.

However, in the present day in which 1970s/80s and Y2K fashion form essential parts of runway shows, thrifting and recycling of older generation’s clothing have seen an exponential rise in popularity in all societal groups, from the likes of Kendall Jenner to university students looking for pieces to distinguish them from the eight other people present at the party who are also wearing Cotton On’s Spring 2021 washed blue skinny jeans with rips at the knees.

Thus, I offer this concept as not only an alternative, but an improvement to the lifestyle of fast fashion, for a guilt-free wearing experience with the added benefit of wearing pieces which are able to aptly represent your individuality and assist in the avoidance of conformation to the ways of those around you.

It is easy to understand why humans (especially those on a student budget,) would opt into fast fashion, but, especially with the existence of alternatives such as thrifting and upcycling, I urge my fellow Ireners to consider the consequences of that which we adorn ourselves with, and whom outside of our peer group may be affected thereby.

Sleep is a vital function that allows your mind and body to rejuvenate and process information. Your sleep cycle is regulated by your circadian rhythm, an internal clock that operates for 24 hours. Our sleep cycle is divided into four stages known as non-rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement sleep that repeat during the night. Each cycle can last from 90 min to 120 min. Moreover, the right amount of sleep depends on your age and differs from person to person.

Cutting down on sleep may seem like the productive thing to do with exams season around the corner but here are a few reasons why that might not be the smartest thing to do.

Sleep aids productivity and concentration

-BUHLE BAM

ACTUALLY, EVERYONE!

WHO NEEDS SLEEP?

It’s 3:00 AM and you are counting the amount of good sleep you’ll be able to squeeze in before you must face another day. You are a bit mad at yourself and the next day already seems daunting. You wake up cranky and vow to never do that to yourself again. Yet you still believe that sleep is a luxury when it is in fact a necessity. Hopefully I can help you realise the importance of sleep in your life by briefly discussing what sleep is, what the benefits of sleep are and how you can set yourself up for a good night’s rest.

Restful sleep leads to better productivity and concentration. When you have not had much sleep you may struggle to retain information you worked so hard to obtain. You may struggle with information retention because sleep plays a key role in learning and memory. Additionally without sufficient sleep it is difficult to concentrate and it may prolong the time it takes for you to grasp your work.

Sleep can boost your mood As I have previously mentioned, sleep helps you process information. Among the information that your brain processes while you sleep, your brain also process al the emotions you felt throughout your day. When you do not sleep enough you more prone to feeling more negative emotions. Not sleeping well can also make you more susceptible to mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Poor mental health may be a result of a lack of sleep because a lack of sleep is harmful to the consolidation of positive emotions. Sleep can drastically improve your attitude towards life and better equip you with the challenges the next day might bring Sleep supports a heathy immune system You might be tripling your dose of vitamin C as the season change but a lack of sleep impairs immune function. In a study done by the National Library of Medicine, people who slept less than between 5 to 6 hours were 4.24 times more likely to develop a cold compared to people who slept more 7 hours. Poor sleep does not only make you more prone to catch the flu but it also may affect how fast you recover. One way to strengthen your immune system would be to prioritise quality sleep.

These tips to restful sleep may seem redundant but I think it is important to be reminded of them. Especially when the pressure to perform well begins to settle in.

Remind yourself that sleep is productive.

Reduce your caffeine intake.

Reduce your exposure to blue light before bed.

Stellenbosch as a first year

In the thick of the bosch -Amélie Campher After years of hearing how Stellenbosch is the slice of heaven any student can only imagine, us first years finally took our first steps on campus and experienced it for ourselves. And it is safe to say that nothing could have prepared me for the adventure upon which I was about to embark.

Until the second week of Orientation, "en route" was a phrase merely uttered when you were on your way to a destination, however, once I walked in and tried the Iced Milo, the meaning changed forever. En Route has housed the most intensive late nights, ranging from talks with both old and new friends to last-minute Bus Man meetings with your group, struggling to see through the blur of tears as you try to navigate the Technical Requirements. Not only is it a location that witnesses students taking well-deserved study breaks and midnight ice cream runs, but there always happens to be the one person you thought you could avoid.

And then came the time when the Stellenbosch nightlife was unveiled. We had barely set foot in Penthouse when the doors were shut to the outside world, closed for business, the liquor license revoked, and "Party at the Penthouse" was no more. On we moved to De Lapa, happy hour had never been that happy in our lives, drowning in the fishbowls, completely out of our depth. A few lessons learnt from my time at De Lapa would firstly be that patience is a virtue only possessed by those willing to wait in the queue to get upstairs after happy hour. The second one is to reuse, reduce and recycle just as De Lapa does by collecting the used cups and using them again the following night. Thirdly and perhaps the most vital lesson of all would be to never wear anything but your designated going-out-shoes, because while your shoes stick to the ground, the day will come where no amount of force will be able to separate the brandewyn-turned-superglue from your shoes and you'll have to leave with one less shoe than you had coming in.

However nothing beats the aesthetic of going to work in a coffee shop in Stellenbosch, an aesthetic that is aimed for by the average Matie. Stellenbosch is riddled with cute coffee shops and breakfast spots, each and every one preparing for the influx of students in need of proper food.

And so the end of the first semester draws nearer and I cannot help but think that Stellenbosch has got it all. From late nights in En Route to the changing colours in the trees, I would leave both my shoes on the floor of De Lapa for the place that has now become my home.

Getting to know our Vice-Prim Irenetjie’s helper, named Glory If you follow the falling autumn leaves down Victoria Street, you will find the beautiful residence where Irenetjie lives. One of Irenetjie’s most trusted helpers is the 21-year-old Vice Primaria, Thembelihle Glory Ngwenya.

She was born and bred in Sabie in Mpumalanga, where she grew up with her 4 other siblings. Glory matriculated at Curro in Nelspruit. She wanted to be Vice Primaria of Irene because she felt that she had an active role to play in the residence and wanted to aid in its transformation and progress.

Glory shared a little bit more of her experiences and person.

What do you enjoy most and least about being Vice Prim?

I enjoy playing an active role in the growth and development of the HC – I’ve gotten to know them in ways that I wouldn’t have without being on the HC together.

The thing I enjoy least is waking up at absurd hours to turn off the fire alarm!

What is your favourite thing about Irene?

The sense of community and desire to be and do better.

If you could do any job in the world (realistic or unrealistic), what would you do?

I would rather not work, but travel around the world and experience new things.

What is a piece of advice that you would give your first-year self?

Remember to be present in the moment and don’t forget to be grateful for the little things in life.

Sweet or savoury?

It depends on the day, but usually sweet.

What is one thing people don’t know about you?

I am the muscle of my friend group!

What makes you feel the most like yourself?

Being around those who are closest to me.

What are 3 things you can’t live without?

Friends and family, my phone and Hi-chews.

What is the must have clothing item that everyone should own according to you?

Anything that makes you feel confident and amazing.

What is your pet peeve?

When someone is being unnecessarily rude and when they talk down to people.

What is your favourite song at the moment?

There are too many songs to choose from, but it’s between Round&Round by NCT 127, Need to know by Doja Cat and Hurricane by Kanye West and The Weeknd.

How do you start your day?

Usually by playing music while I get ready.

If you are in a bad mood, do you prefer to be left alone or cheered up?

I prefer to be left alone.

If you could switch lives with one person for a day, who would it be and why?

Nobody, because nobody’s life is perfect, and I would rather deal with the imperfections in my own life over someone else’s.

Dearest Ireners, Roommate Horror Stories; A Saga

Confession no. 63: “My roommate came home at 3 am, turned on all of our lights, and proceeded to clip her toenails onto the floor.”

Confession no. 12: “ This is the thirtieth day in a row that my roommate has gotten home at five in the morning from her man’s place… I’m just worried about whether she goes to classes?!”

Confession no. 74: “My roomie has green paint marks on all of her pants from cuddling with her man on the tennis courts… Girl does that not hurt?”

Confession no. 31:

“ I made out with my roommates ex… that’s the confession.”

Confession no. 92: “ I kept a mouse in our room for a week and now it’s gone… where did it go though?!”

Confession no. 65: “ My neighbours are fighting over the same man and I hear the argument everyday…”

Sleep or die?

It has become evident that the Irene girls prioritise sleep over death by fire judging by the seriousness with which we treat our fire drills…

Guys please stop leaving your straighteners on and the world will be a better place for it…

Confession no. 70: “Last night when the fire alarm went off I made the split-second decision that my sleep is more important than my life, put in ear plugs, and went back to sleep. It’s the third time this week gents, its rough out here.”

That’s all for now; you know you love me,

XOXO, Gossip girl

-Kiara Wales

RAT-NAPPED! Comic strip- Buhle bAM

1. Back! I can't wait to tell my roommates a long winded story about finding ratty

Ahhhhh! I've been 'ratnapped'

2. What Shanice?

3. Lira, you won't Ahhhh! Help believe what just me! happened, when I tell you what just happened ! I was walking

4. Shanice! Your mouth is moving a lot like a rat's, shut it, please!

IRENE HIGHLIGHTS Jené Venter

THE Ultimate Irene Platlist '3 Nights'- Dominic Fike 'Adore You'- Harry Styles 'Cold Heart'(PNAU Remix)-Elton John & Dua Lipa 'Adiwele'-Young Stunna feat. Kabza De Small & Dj Maphorisa 'Yebo/Sema'- Masego 'telepatía'- Kali Uchis 'Boyfriend'- Justin Bieber 'Fancy'- Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX 'Oh My God'- Adele 'Take My Breath'- The Weeknd 'everything i wanted'- Billie Eilish 'Diamonds'- Sam Smith 'This Love (Taylor's Version)'-Taylor Swift 'Mad at Disney'- salem ilese 'Peaches'-Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caeser & GIVĒON 'John Cena'-Sho Majozi 'La Vida'- Mi Casa 'Osama'- Zakes Bantwini & Kasango 'Dancing Queen'- ABBA 'Sister Bethina'- Mgarimbe 'The Business'- Tiësto 'Enemies'- Imagine Dragons, JID & League of Legends 'Is You Ready'- Migos 'Kids'- MGMT 'Day 'N' Nite'- Kid Cudi 'Pump it'-The Black Eyed Peas 'Live While We're Young'- One Direction 'Complicated'- Avril Lavinge 'You Need To Calm Down'- Taylor Swift 'Industry Baby'- Lil Nax X & Jack Harlow 'Woman'- Doja Cat 'Meet Me At Our Spot'- THE ANXIETY, WILLOW & Tyler Cole 'Phantom Regret By Jim'- The Weeknd 'Smoking Out the Window'- Slik Sonic 'UNGAZINICISHI'- Riky Rick feat. Focalistic & Tyler ICU '365'- Zedd & Katy Perry

'Mmapula'- Busta 929 feat. Mzu M 'As it Was'- Harry Styles 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!'- ABBA 'Fast Times'- Sabrina Carpenter 'Kerse'- Spoegwolf 'Follow You'- Imagine Dragons 'Out of Time'- The Weeknd 'Dali Nguwe'- Wanitwa Mos & Master KG feat. Nkosazana Daughter 'Things Can Only Get Better'- D:Ream 'Stir Fry'- Migos 'This is What Falling in Love Feels Like'JVKE 'Ke Star'- Focalistic feat Virgo Deep 'Sika'- Blackie 'Bam Bam'- Camila Cabello feat. Ed Sheeran 'Midnight Sky'- Miley Cyrus 'BUTTERFLY EFFECT'- Travis Scott 'First Class'- Jack Harlow 'Be Alive'- Beyoncé 'Love Me More'- Sam Smith 'My Power'- Beyoncé, Nija, Busiswa, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Lag & Yemi Alade 'Come On Eileen'- Dexys Midnight Runners 'All For One'- The Cast of High School Musical 'Stay Shining'- Riky Rick feat. Casper Nyovest, Ali Keys, Professor & Major League 'Bbm'- Liquideep 'Crazy Tings'- Tems 'Good Days'- SZA 'Cabin Fever'- Jaden 'Can't Hold Us'- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 'Dance to This'- Troye Sivan feat. Ariana Grande 'Lost'- Frank Ocean 'SICKO MODE'- Travis Scott & Drake 'Hurricane'- Kanye West, Lil Baby & The Weeknd 'We Are the Champions'- Queen 'All For Us'- Labrinth & Zendaya 'Redbone'- Childish Gambino 'Wait a Minute'- WILLOW

https://music.apple.com/za/playlist/the-ultimate-irene-playlist/pl.u-qxyl0bXT3j42E0j

"For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream" -VINCENT VAN GOGH

A reminder to look at the stars, and dream! #321 Irene