BRUTUS March 2022 | The Bicycle

BRUTUS MARCH 2022 | THE BICYCLE

RESPECT | INTEGRITY | UBUNTU | POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

BRUTUS MARCH 2022

Our Story Nerina’s

name

indigenous Nerine

in

South

Filifolia.

enduring open

State.

It

bulbous during

takes

bloom

home

in

in

the

their

Transkei,

years

for

the

and

Free this

first

likewise here

with

before

world

they

and

respective

Since

for

many.

need

start

to

careers.

time

hosted

1968.

The

our

in

four

the

the

back

stands,

1972

the

complete.

residence

was

a

and

is

where

purple

of

rest

finds

of

big

use

Brutus,

the

house

a

tragic

Nerina’s

peace

our

a of

in

the

beautiful

Jacaranda.

We

part

little

Today

residential bid

us

du

planted

in

1999.

head

in

farewell

Annette

head

joined

and

in

Plessis our

has

hearts

house

Nerina

1995

and

1999. been as

mother

part

growth.

face

that

we

as

long

“Nerina but

have

in

the

well.

that

long

to she

adapt

know

stand

filled

home

laid

say,

stories

been

and

also

lives”

of

and

she

as our

before

after is

we

such

fact,

a

for

privilege

hers.

Nerina’s for

progressive

heart

residence

and

innovative

away-from-home town

of

integrity,

potential to

in

Stellenbosch.

respect,

development.

the

roots

and

blooms

our

of

our

the We

a

home-

beautiful stand

ubuntu In

with –

this

name,

for and

house, Nerinas

flourish.

as

had

to

Tannie deeply

residential since

our

to

honest

the

changes

will

while,

pride

true

Kritzinger

joy

was

true

Stories

grow

we

often

of

being

prosper Mrs.

and

Oh,

new

to

by,

is her

leadership

has

face

current

yet

Nerina’s

in

time

leave.

bicycle

dog,

our

only

not

was

passed to

still

shade

the

in

her

foundation

first

to

was

Her

resident

layed

he

the

had

to

Rabie

unfortunately He

for

door

head.

beloved

death. soil

next

front

Mrs

first

was

and

residents

entrance

as

residents

residence

completed years

first

every

striving goes

firm Nerina

tears, Nerina

and

overjoyed

our

with

tell...

1968 With

are as

hearts.

could

after

heartfelt

servant

our

A.

name

and

love,

greets, While

Her

spirit

walls

our

a we

Petersen

practical

captured

most

was

head.

joyful

and

our

in

Joy

resident her

Aunty

goodbye,

have

time

Stellenbosch

years

into

locations

the

rooted

three

exit

to

and

for

–

are

precious

the

to

greeting

years

colour

humid

three

twenty difficult

Cape,

bloom

autumn

flower,

Although

yet

Mpumalanga

to

Nerinas

about

and

Eastern

the

delicate,

brings

grasslands

the

from

African

This

flower

Swaziland,

to

comes

July

Nerina Residence

T A B L E

O F

C O N T E N T S

BRUTUS Spotlight on Nerina

The Argief House Rules of 1975 What's with the bicycle?

Lifestyle

Explore Stellenbosch Reflections Great Expectations Life Hacks Culture Corner Cultivate Creativity

Happenings

Welcoming 2022 House Fund Dance

Personalities

A Story of Hope The Magic of Mentoring

Candid

Nerina Views Showcasing Creativity

Crossword Photo credits: Nerina Photography Committee.

letter from the editor Dearest

Nerina

Another are

term

able

what

to

is

has

to

beginning

the

so

hustle you

I

to

and

break

on

at

Mountain.

I

up

forgotten

this

in

privileged

many view,

I

anyone

ask

this

could

town

face, easy

was

but to

I

forget

appreciate can

be

this

short

back

too

to

everything

necessary.

and

break fully

when

I

become

it

in

the

me

up,

had

I

term's

exactly

Brutus

that

what

we,

about

our

-

as

the

tries

in

of

bike

represents

forward know

more

-

and

and

now

Nerina

the

can

it.

It's

their

and

to

but

it in

step

surroundings.

can

a

movement

in

you,

in-between

Nerinas,

pride

bicycle?

be

is

On

and

sure

Brutus

defining and Mia

has

to

some

joy.

Ham

some

read

her

fascinating

of

synonymous is

the

with

metaphorical movement Nerina

much

the

significance

is

adapting.

is

level,

-

forward

always

The

moving

Nerina

different

of the

we

from

the

1968.

things

focus

-

what

that?

beauty

us,

to

but

term's

a

our

a

made

residence

focus

take

is

of

the

was

urge

to

us

she

the

back

it

is

discoveries!

moments

make

articles

time

in

this on

our

our

residents.

All

in

as

all,

this

Nerina;

I

house

Nerinas

the

edition

appreciate hope

aims

it

to

specifically

residence,

of

again

edition

Nerina

showcasing

once

on

that

find

Brutus on

piece

a This

-

This

see

edition

bike

investigating for

residence

right to

step

your

I

all:

so

studying

best

around

coming

was

previously

that

of

therefore

take

I

a

Stellenbosch

had

Nerina;

some

article

term's

The

the

taking

balcony, of

and

a

think

in

this

specifically

answers

bicycle,

blind

take

did

Our

be

staring

was

I

of

why

that

the

for,

But

for

Bicycle".

your

but

in

symbol

yet

and

I

theme

"The

the

not

up

times

to

was

is

life,

reality

enough

Stellenbosch,

day.

frivolities

the

The

on

appreciate

front

daily

about

a

university

view

we

about

done

caught

year,

the

get

into

and

the had

appreciated caught

of

Last

awestruck

to

fit

stop

than

thinking

become

to

surroundings. study

to

find

exciting

often

needs

bustle

forget

be

and

refocus

always

just

want

easy

pass,

and

to

More

that

everything it's

I

year

frenetic

everything

to

reflect

come.

of

nerve-wracking. become

come

relax,

the

special.

You

reflecting as

amazing

of

Brutus

the

does

fact

the

place -

well

on

as

a

creativity

made

me

that

am

same

for

I

you

well.

-

appreciate

Happy

reading!

residence.

Anja Steyn

the brutus team the brutus team Anja Steyn | Editor

Talyah Greyling | NCC

Emma Beckley

Jule Booysen

Inge Botes

Elmi Bruwer

Zoë Eyberg

Carla Ferreira

Mihl'emihle Mbandezelo

Liyabona Mqina

Marise Schoonraad

Zara van der Westhuizen

Mia Ham

Siphosethu Nxumalo

Tianè Lötter

Lara Opperman

THE ARGIEF: A Peek into the Evolution of Nerina Liyabona Mqina

Every house has a place where the best memories of it are kept and captured, and in Nerina’s case that is the Argief.

The Argief is a space in Nerina that is filled with different photographs, achievements, and developments of Nerina over the years.

The Argief documents the history of Senorina, which is the yearbook of Nerina. However, this publication has changed over the years. Residents used to receive a physical copy of Senorina, whereas now, it gets published digitally.

Nerina's reunion magazines are also available to flip through in the Argief; they track the changes, improvements, and different establishments at Nerina over the years.

“We want to make (the Argief) look like a museum,” said Mischke James, the project manager of the Argief . She added, “It is my dream to make everyone fall in love with and know about the history of Nerina”.

Nerina Residence opened its doors in 1968 and since then, the house has changed immensely. As our society progressed, Nerina changed with it, and is now a vibrant, diverse residence.

Nerina was also one of the first residences to adopt a multilingual Constitution to accommodate residents of all walks of life.

When you step into the Argief and look at all the photos of Nerina and her residents over the years, it is like taking a step into the past. You are able to get a glimpse of the evolution of our residence.

According to Joy Petersen, our house mother, since Nerina opened its doors, there have only been six permanent residence house mothers over a span of 54 years. This shows us that Nerina has a lasting impact on those she meets.

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

Stories Out of the Argief: The House Rules of 1975 Taken from the Nerina Reunion Magazine of 2008 On Friday nights and Saturdays, residents may eat in the dining hall with hair curlers, but need to have a cloth tied around their heads if they do.

Residents must wear formal attire at lunch and dinner on Sundays, therefore socks are compulsory.

Residents may not play dance music on the piano on Sundays.

No resident may practise piano for more than two hours a day.

Juniors must be back in residence by 7:30 p.m.

Residents must attend either the formal dance, or the formal dinner.

Residents are not allowed to leave during the weekend of the house fund dance.

Thank goodness things have changed!

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

What's with the bicycle?

Mia Ham

“Alles vir die fiets! Alles vir die fiets!” The cries of about 200 young ladies fill Victoria street as they march along in their navy shirts. Excitement fills the air. The Nerinas are ready to fight, to run, to tackle if they must. Everything for the bike. But why the bike? I interviewed some of the NCC members and Nerina’s previous housemother, Mrs Annette Du Plessis, to find out more about the bike and its history.

Every residence has its “thing”. For Dagbreek it is the Eiffel, Helshoogte has a rooster, Huis Visser is obsessed with anchors, and so on. It is well known that Nerina’s thing is bicycles.

Why? It could be because bicycles have always been in and around Nerina. In 1968, when the first residents of Nerina moved in, the residence was still being built. The rec hall and front door were not even finished, but the bike shed was. It used to be where the sections, Vic and Route 66, are now.

For the first year of Nerina’s existence, until the front entrance was completed, the residents had to walk through the bike shed (or “fietshokke” as it was called) to get to their rooms.

The “fietshokke” were later turned into extra rooms and the bike and laundry sheds were built by the back door.

Around 1980-1990, Nerina’s association with bicycles picked up again. This was because one of the residence staff, René Stigling, rode into town every morning to collect the post for Nerina.

Her everyday trip became iconic and so, her bike ended up standing in the quad, leaning against the lamppost. Of course it did not take long for the men’s residences (and Pieke) to spot this valuable item. And so began the antics of stealing and retrieving the bike. The bike used to be black, but Helshoogte decided it needed to be blue. Nerina was not too unhappy with the new colour and the bike stayed that way.

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

The bike had another purpose, other than entertaining residence pride and silly antics. Before Vensters, there was Karnaval and before that, it was called JOOL. Except it was a full 10-day festival with floats, competitions, athletics and of course, the dances we know.

Residences also collaborated to take part in JOOL, but partners were not assigned by the university. Instead, the men’s residences used to “spade” for the women’s residences. This involved them trying their very best to impress the women’s residence of their choice so that they may be picked as the desired partner.

Nerina was of course very popular and received many gifts to win her over.

The bike became a tool with which men’s residences attracted Nerina’s attention. One year, Helderberg stole the bike and returned it with a small wagon attached. The wagon contained a bunch of flowering petunia plants.

Many residents have probably heard rumours of other Nerina bikes being on campus.

Although it is uncertain how many bikes there actually are, there are definitely at least 3. The original blue bicycle we all know is currently being held captive by Helderberg. They also have a black bike that belongs to Nerina. This bike was painted black by Helderberg themselves and now displays the name of its captors. The third bike, a tandem, was painted green by Helshoogte. After suddenly appearing in the quad, the tandem was stolen by Dagbreek right after House Fund Dance this year. In addition to the traditional bicycles, Nerina also has the pink scooter that once belonged to one of the residents, but was left behind.

Nerina and its bicycles are inextricably linked. Generations of Nerinas are united in the tradition and pride surrounding the bike. Bicycles cannot reverse, they can only move forward.

Nerina follows this example as she progresses through the ages and develops into a better version of herself. Alles vir die fiets.

SPOTLIGHT ON NERINA

Explore Stellenbosch

Emma Beckley

ESCAPE &EXPLORE Have you ever had the craving to go on a fun adventure with friends or treat yourself to something other than mundane res food? Chances are you probably have. However, there’s one thing that stands in the way of many students being able to enjoy such “luxuries” and that’s the dreaded student budget! Luckily, I have found the best - but most importantly, cheap - things for you to do as a student on a budget.

Botanical Gardens

Expresso

If you are in the mood to spend some time with friends somewhere other than the Neelsie, I suggest the Botanical Gardens! Bring your student card along so that you and two friends can enter for free. This is a beautiful setting for catching up with friends. Bring along a picnic blanket and some snacks and enjoy a bit of time surrounded by nature.

On a busy day, running between lectures can be stressful. Sometimes this leaves us with very little time to sit down and have lunch. The perfect solution to this is to grab a quick bite at Expresso. Everything in store is unbelievably priced at R12. This café will be sure to stock at least one of your favourite baked goods.

LIFESTYLE

Coetzenburg Dam

Scheckter's RAW

Another fun activity with friends is to take a walk up to the Coetzenberg dam. This is completely free of charge and is an amazing way to take a break from your studies and get some fresh air. This is a very popular location so you will get the opportunity to be social and make new friends. My favourite thing to do is to buy some fresh fruit from the Neelsie’s Spar and bring them along as they make the perfect post-swim snack.

If you need a night out, especially to unwind at the end of a long week, Scheckter’s RAW is the place to go!

Located on Plein Street, just a short walk away from Nerina, they offer a two-for-the-price-of-one cocktail special from 4pm until close from Wednesdays to Saturdays. Grab a friend and spoil yourself to a delicious cocktail. Who says you can't go out without breaking the bank?

These are just a few of the budget-friendly activities in Stellenbosch. Explore as much as you can and find other hidden gems that allow you to have fun without depleting your bank balance. You deserve a treat every now and again.

LIFESTYLE

REFLECTIONS Zara van der Westhuizen I sincerely apologize for my absence the past few months but considering I’m a gen Z baby; expecting me to do more than update my Instagram was asking for way more than what my current mental health could handle.

But I digress…

Looking back at what feels like a year (five weeks), I’ve experienced a newfound patriotism, a love for girls I barely know, commitment to a flattired-bike and many more. It was quite scary at the beginning. Not as scary as being trapped in a horror movie, but just enough to make me jump from time to time. Imagine a group of perfectly dressed, white teethed and healthy haired individuals who call you by name, place, and your favorite ice cream flavor. I know. Scary. After my initial shock it was easy breezy lemon squeezy.

Just kidding; I’m lying - it was overwhelming and exhausting like you won’t believe. With a jam-packed schedule, let’s just say my bathroom breaks were a saving grace. I mean, I never thought I would get tired of looking at men, but after two socials in one day I could barely handle my own reflection. I also think you don’t fathom the hunger for sleep when two other residences wake you up before the hype squad gets to you. So, let me educate you on what happened over the last few weeks.

The newfound patriotism came unexpectedly. Throughout, the NCC told us to protect our mascot “Pancakes”. I was like, “Yes, that’s fine, we’ll keep the bear safe”. At the same time, we were instructed to kidnap other soft toys and again I was like, “Yes, we will steal a precious little three-year old’s toy, it’s fine.”

LIFESTYLE

BUT, did I misinterpret or misunderstand the assignments? Most definitely. The day in question was when we as a first-year group took the prim of Huis Marais as our prisoner.

With water being thrown at us, in a sweaty deadlock with young males trying to break through whilst chanting, “Be aggressive, be, be aggressive”, was when I realized that I’ve succumbed to a certain Nerina patriotism. Running at full speed after a stuffed bear feeling like it was a life or death situation was when I became a part of Nerina.

Moving on to the love for our new home. I have found that Nerina has one of the most beautiful quads of all . I guess that’s the one thing that I undoubtedly can’t deny about Nerina the beauty. From the quad to the views from the balconies to the girls in Nerina and the mountains that surround it. I believe that helps to stir the patriotism-pot a little bit. .

On to the bike. I know what you are thinking - “What’s up with the bike?” and to answer this complicated question - I don’t know. All I can tell you is that (with its flat tires and rusted frame) these girls will go to war for it. I will however do further research and come back to you on that.

To conclude my all over the place reflection on the past month or so, I can’t believe that I found a home full of wonderful people with delicious food. It was definitely a jump in the deep end these past few weeks and if it weren't for the beautiful world of Nerina, I absolutely wouldn’t have been able to make it through my first term at university. I will proudly wear my navy merchandise and feel overly-protective of a blue bicycle with these girls. After all, we are all family now.

LIFESTYLE

Nerina, I am ever true.

Life Hacks: First Years' Edition

Jule Booysen Cue Aladdin’s theme song: A whole new world, a dazzling place we never knew…

That is pretty much what university feels like for a first year, having to use Google Maps to find buildings on campus, and having to ask seniors for directions in and around Nerina. The whole experience can be quite scary, but from a first year to my fellow first years, here’s my guide on hacking life at university.

NEW AND IMPROVED 2-MINUTE NOODLES Whether you believe Indomie, Kellogg’s or Maggie is the absolute best noodle brand out there, 2-minute noodles are the staple food of all university students. You can change your simple bowl of 2-minute noodles into a stirfry by adding chicken, vegetables and some sauce. This is an inexpensive hack that will really help you save when “tough times are lasting”.

SPOIL YOURSELF ON A BUDGET When sitting behind the books gets too overwhelming, take a much-needed break and walk to De Vrije Burger on Drostdy Road. They serve soft serve ice cream for only R7.50, which fits any student’s budget and like I always say, “Ice cream is food for the soul.”

LIFESTYLE

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE This is probably the most overused advice that we have all heard during Welcoming, but probably the most necessary.

University is 70% work and 30% play. I know all of us are here to secure the bag and chase that degree, but one day when we look back on our time at Stellenbosch University, all the experiences such as branding nights and social events will make up the biggest part of our memories. The friends we make here, are those that stay with us for life. So, join societies and talk to classmates as well as the lovely ladies of Nerina, because university provides you with confidence you never knew you had.

NEVER HESITATE TO REACH OUT To bring it closer to home, always remember that “Nerina is a house of love, where our friendship shows. We welcome one and all because together we grow.” In all circumstances, the ladies of Nerina are your biggest supporters and are in your corner. When you feel overwhelmed or like you just need to vent or complain, help is just a shout away.

To all the Nerinas, remember that progress exceeds perfection, and that you have the potential to be great!

Nerina is a house of love, where our friendship shows. We welcome one and all because together we grow.

LIFESTYLE

culture corner corner Tianè Lötter

Tianè makes some recommendations on what Nerinas can watch, listen to and read.

Film: Good Will Hunting Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a prodigy with a genius-level IQ, prefers to work as a janitor at MIT. When he deciphers an intricate graduatelevel math problem, his gifts are uncovered by Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgard), who is determined to help the misdirected young man reach his full potential. When Will is detained for assaulting a police officer, Professor Lambeau agrees to get leniency for him if he will receive therapy from Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).

This film shows how a strong-willed young man battles to find himself, residing in a world where he can crack any question, except the one looming within him. Good Will Hunting is the tale of how Will’s life verges toward selfannihilation and how the people in his life try to haul him back.

This movie, in my opinion, is the closest I’ve seen to a flawless movie .This film plunges deep into each character, and each one is completely developed. The movie was written by and showcases Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, which can be seen as their breakthrough roles.

Together they won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. This movie is undoubtedly Gus van Sant’s optimum opus and includes outstanding cinematography.

The main lesson behind the film is that if one were to live in a world bursting with nothing but education, education would mean nil in the end.

The meaning of life is to give life meaning. This film shows how a life strictly dedicated to education instead of affection, devotion or trust would be a miserable way of life.

LIFESTYLE

Music: Ain't No Mountain High Enough When life gets you down and academic pressure surrounds you just remember: There ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough, Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you Whether ‘you’ refers to a goal you set for yourself or a person you should dive deep into your potential and know you can achieve anything.

Book: Bad Feminist Living in a multicultural female residence with unique individuals surrounding us, it is important to remember unity starts with one and the best way to be united is to be informed.

Bad Feminist is written by American writer Roxane Gay and is a collection of essays. It covers a variety of topics ranging from feminism to culture in which Roxane writes from her point of view as an American woman.

The title originates from Gay’s refusal to conform to a set of rules which modern feminists expect from all women. Gay finds modern feminism to be counterintuitive and believes that it produces exclusive stereotypes.

Gay tackles her feelings of incompetence and disinclination to forgo her unique pastimes and personality by labelling herself as a “bad feminist”.

She states that she is a subscriber of Vogue, a lover of mechanics, dresses, and all things pink.

This book also explores topics involving media representation and diversity. Gay speaks on a lack of attention being paid to women's issues.

Bad feminism is a captivating and extremely intelligent view of cultural issues in America which can have an effect on women globally.

LIFESTYLE

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Carla Ferreira

When the first rays of 2022 morning sun hit the Mountain View balcony, one word resonated through the heart of humanity: expectancy.

From the get-go we all chose to expect wonderful and beautiful things of this year. This year the quad will once again bustle with activity. This year we will spontaneously meet new people on campus because this is the year that we will attend all of our classes in person. This year Danie Craven will once again be filled with roaring crowds. This year we will choose personal growth and be consistent. This year our new year’s resolutions will evolve into new lifestyles rather than just fleeting trends. This is the year that some will graduate.

This is the year that we will make lifelong friends. This is the year that we will stand for that committee, train for that team, and score 75% on that test. This is THE year.

In return 2022 stood in the quad, a gleaming bicycle, with new bells and whistles, patiently waiting - ready to be ridden at full speed. Begging us to jump on to the saddle and resume the pace we were riding at before 2020. Or no, to pedal even faster!

As expected, the year took off at the speed of light. In three short academic weeks we were swept up in the whirlwind of varsity life.

LIFESTYLE

A thousand events have taken place: newcomers were welcomed, House Fund Dance and IBN flew past. We experienced not one but two Varsity Cup victories on home ground. Somewhere in between we managed to eat, sleep, do our quizzes, study for tests, and go to class. No one knows how, but it is already time to write tests and the March holiday is around the corner.

When one chooses to be expectant, disappointment is unfortunately part of the experience and many of us have already tasted the bittersweet thereof. (If you are privileged enough still to be disappointment free, you are most probably not an engineering student). Many newcomers were gravely disappointed that they did not meet their future husband during welcoming. Other Nerinas have experienced disappointment because they did in fact skip their 8AM class, despite their promise to themselves that they would attend them. Maybe you failed your tutorial or did not make the team you trained so hard for. Or your diet has died a terrible death at the hands of En Route’s ice creams.

Many of us have found ourselves back in the quad, staring at the gleaming bicycle, wondering: should we discard our choice to be expectant because our bike riding skills have become a bit rusty? Or because we are not satisfied with the tempo that we are riding at now? The answer is simple - NO. Dealing with disappointments is hard - very hard. But a life without the excitement of expectations is equally hard. It is up to you to choose your “hard”. The glistening magic of expectations becomes reality when you choose to have enough grace with yourself to take a break, put the training wheels back on if necessary and keep on riding your bicycle. No matter how slow. Your expectations and dreams are worth it.

This morning the first beams of light are still painted on the Mountain View balcony. Crisp wisps of autumn air trickle through our windows as we sleep. The glistening bicycle still stands in the quad, beckoning us to reject hesitation and ride through 2022. With or without training wheels. Do you feel the excitement of endless possibilities that these corridors contain? Don’t lose sight of that feeling when disappointments come. Make the hard choice to remain excitedly expectant throughout 2022. Choose the right type of “hard” and make this year twenty twenty YOU.

LIFESTYLE

CULTIVATE CREATIVITY Inge Botes

Y

You tried to solve the same mathematical equation four times, but failed each time until breakthrough came at the 5th attempt. You raced through the corridors in your mother’s house with 3 crayons clenched in your hands and could not wait to draw your dog, a flower, and a smiley face on the walls. You have that one song that you will always sing at the top of your lungs, because something about the lyrics resonates with something in you.

Creativity plays an undeniable role in our day-to-day lives. When we solve equations, we sow ideas and reap a bountiful harvest of AHA! –moments. The things we love inspire us and become bursts of colour on the most unfortunate canvases (e.g., our mother’s white walls). Our emotions and heart’s desires can be very mysterious, even inexpressible… so when the lyrics of a song express the inexpressible and makes concrete what is abstract in our souls, we bask in the creative genius of that songwriter.

Our natural capacity for wonder and awe allows inspiration. Inspiration evokes creativity.

LIFESTYLE

A study done by frontiers Human Neuroscience, conceptualizes inspiration not to be the source of creative ideas, but rather a response to them. When we are in a state of inspiration, an easy way to put our mental processes are: “Something I encounter, or experience inspires me”. So, if what we encounter seems to be preexisting creative ideas, then to whom do those ideas belong and to whom do we trace the origin of our own masterpieces?

Something to ponder on indeed… The point is, we have all been inspired and thus we can all be creative. Inspiration is simply an invitation for new ideas to come to the party. Therefore, creativity is not some inherent skill that only Mozarts and Picassos and Newtons are born with. It is an inherent desire we all possess.

We desire it because it connects hearts, allows us to express ourselves and makes room for expansion. Just as I mentioned before: when your anthem plays over the radio, you feel a sense of connection to the songwriter, because they understand you.

"Creativity is not reserved for a select few, but it is preserved for those who cultivate it. " It gets even better when you and a friend share a favourite song, because then the understanding runs deeper. Creative expression gives us a platform to share a bit of ourselves to the world and makes room for vulnerability – after all, we all want to be known. Finally, creativity expands our mind and generates new neural pathways when it comes to problem solving. We think deeper and more intuitively.

It becomes obvious that creativity is something we should all cultivate, but how? Easy: make it routine. You can establish this by keeping an idea notebook or typing in new thoughts on your laptop as they pop up. Tackle problems that don’t necessarily have solutions (yet), such as trying to figure out how to make your cat fly. Get some vitamin D. Research by Washington State University, suggests that spending time in natural settings may enhance creativity. Surround yourself with out-of-the-ordinary peoples and places, because they will help you develop original ideas.

Accountants and mathematicians (this is a broad generalization) often argue that they aren’t creative, while artists often complain about their lack of numeric skills.

Yet, there is a beautiful overlapping of science and wonder, mathematics and music, algorithms and art. Ask Da Vinci.

Creativity is not reserved for a select few, but it is preserved for those who cultivate it.

LIFESTYLE

WELCOMING 2022 Zoë Eyberg 2 February 2022 – the day we have all been waiting for, has finally shown its face. The new generation of Nerina Newcomers have arrived yet again to stun everyone with all the luggage they somehow managed to fit into their poor parents’ cars (who were extremely vulnerable at the time, therefore it being the perfect incident to ask them for ANYTHING).

With great excitement and greater reluctance, the Newcomers walked to the front door where they were met by their NCC Members as well as their Mentors for the year 2022. Or perhaps one should rephrase, “… where they were met by their soon to be sisters”.

There were many exhilarating occurrences during Welcoming Week which have most definitely been embedded in all the Newcomers’ memories, but one thing we all can agree on is the love we felt on February 2nd, when the seniors all greeted us by our names. This may seem insignificant, but to many it was a game changer. The Newcomers let go of all feelings of doubt and fear and instantaneously felt as though they belong here. And of course, who doesn’t feel slightly important when the ‘cool kids’ notice you.

HAPPENINGS

Apparently, if we all laugh together and can cry together, we should surely suffer together as well.

The ability to remember more than 100 names of people you have not yet met, is quite admirable, but the Newcomers’ hearts were finally stolen at breakfast the following morning. The food was delicious, but no, that is not what captured our hearts. Correct! The Yodel and dancing on the tables in the dining hall were exactly what we needed to kickstart our busy days.

My fellow Newcomers would agree that the perfect words to describe our daily schedule, during Welcoming Week, are “extremely busy”. We all arrived, willing to live with total strangers and consciously having to step out of our comfort zones, unsure about how we would keep about our wits and survive.

One of the most memorable activities the NCC had planned for the Newcomers was Storytelling. Them not having a clue on how moved every single Newcomer would be after listening to very courageous ladies who voluntarily stood up and told us their stories. Not a single person left the room not feeling grateful.

Grateful, firstly, to be in such a wonderful and blessed environment and secondly, being able to call superwomen our sisters. We all bawled our eyes out that day; we realised that we were a family.

Light Night had a similar feel to it. The most beautiful moment was when the NCC came to light up our small candles with their larger ones.

HAPPENINGS

WRITTEN BY JESSICA PARK. PHOTOS BY LEE MIN-HAN.

Having experienced such a pure moment with one another really does create an atmosphere of love for each other.

Sprinting after students during socials, because they managed to snatch Pancakes is something we do not mind at all.

All events or activities we had going on, were planned to the T. An activity the house participated in, is the Fire Drill.

Apparently, if we all laugh together and can cry together, we should surely suffer together as well.

The most rewarding part of Welcoming Week would most probably be Venters.

After 6-hour practices and repeating the same dances over and over, Nerina obtained an overall 3rd place, which is phenomenal. The body aches and blisters we had on our feet were more than worth it. We worked so well together and brought enthusiasm to each and every repertoire.

Being part of such a wonderful group of women is inspiring. Women who root for one another and who would give anything to see their fellow Nerinas rise to the top. That mentality you won’t find anywhere else. We are a group so tightknit that we would form a circle around another residence’s Primarius, and not let go, just so that they would give back our teddy bear. Our very special teddy bear of course. Pancakes. It has been proven more than once that we would do pretty much anything to get our Pancakes home safely.

Needless to say, Welcoming Week was the best thing the Newcomers of 2022 could have experienced. There were many highlights, too many to mention in such a short article, but Welcoming Week had such a huge impact on our lives. We met wonderful people and had awe-inspiring conversations.

Being Nerinas will forever be our biggest pride and joy.

HAPPENINGS

HOUSE FUND DANCE Mihl'emihle Mbandezelo

As someone who always finds it difficult to choose an outfit, I find themes very appeasing. It gets much easier when the theme is accessible and resonates with everyone. Out of all the theme suggestions that were sent around the Nerina group chats to choose from, dressing as anything starting with the first letter of your name was the most voted for as the theme for the House Fund Dance hosted on the 4th of March.

So, there we walked with our partners and friends through the front door, grabbing a cocktail and watermelon slice on our way into the Quad. You could see Nancy Drew, doctors, even Rubik's Cubes on the dancefloor.

When interviewing the project manager, Elizabeth (Liz) Viljoen, she did confirm that seeing people walk in wearing their different outfits was the highlight of her night.

Liz also explained the main goal behind House Fund Dance: “Besides the dance being for fun and engagement, and although I had wished that the funds could contribute to other meaningful things like helping around Nerina, the main reason for the House Fund Dance was to raise funds for the end of the year House Dance which is quite expensive due to venues and meals”.

Liz elaborated on making events like the House Fund Dance more accessible in future. If we're ever unsure about attending a dance, or need some guidance, help is just a shout away.

What made this year's House Fund Dance extra special was the fact that it was hosted at Nerina. It was magical to see the quad transformed into a cozy space where everyone could interact.

HAPPENINGS

Moreover, the House Fund Dance committee outdid themselves with the activities they planned for us. Taking a break from dancing to enjoy a quick game of table tennis or volleyball was something everyone appreciated.

Something a few of us noticed, was that towards the end of the night, one of our bikes had disappeared, despite leaning against the lamp pole at the beginning of the evening. Who stole the bicycle? Who knows? But one thing is for certain - we will find it.

Perhaps, if future House Fund Dances are also hosted at Nerina, we will have to appoint a bicycle safety officer to protect and defend our beloved bicycle, but I digress.

All in all, through the academic pressure and other life problems that each and every one of us go through, having events like House Fund Dances is a good way to de-stress and engage with other people, while making beautiful memories. This year’s dance was amazing, and I hope the ones to come are as enjoyable as this one.

HAPPENINGS

Photo credits: Limrik Swanepoel.

IBN '22 Stay-in weekend

A Story of Hope Siphosethu Blessings Nxumalo

I thought my opening line should be something relatable like this: I just failed a test but there's something in me that tells me I'm going to better in my exams and maybe even get a distinction. That something is called hope.

Hope is the sunshine after the rain and "a pot of gold" at the end of every rainbow. It's a reward for having the constant optimism that things can and will be better than they are.

My best friend once told me something along these lines, "What I like about you is that you're always trying."

Coming to Stellenbosch as a first year varsity student has been one of the most difficult adjustments in my life.

Moving from a small matric class of ten people to a place with thousands of people all pursuing the same goal (to earn their degrees),

I've been having quite a difficult time trying to cope. Luckily, there are Nerinas who have come to the rescue.

From all the people who greeted me in the corridors, a specific Nerina stood out to me: Fina, one of our wonderful NCC-members. She shared the story of how her life basically deteriorated right before her eyes.

How her grandmother, followed by her uncle passed after she had to take care of them. She spoke with pride and wasn't ashamed because her struggles never defined her. She held onto something bigger, something that cannot be seen or even touched.

She held on to hope - hope for a better, more peaceful, and happier life.

Through her story I was inspired.

Every time I thought I had it bad, every time I thought I was alone, I remembered Fina’s resilience.

PERSONALITIES

Her story reinstalled the hope in me I thought I’d lost.

Now, after five weeks at university, I’m not completely where I want to be but work every day to where I hope to be. There's that word again - hope. I wake up daily to the reminder that Fina has been doing just fine, so why can't I? Fina has had hope pushing her through difficult times and so can I. “Hope” is a powerful word; it represents a force stronger than doubt or insecurity. May we all remember that hope can get us through anything, just like it did for Fina.

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."

- Desmond Tutu

PERSONALITIES

The Magic of Mentoring Lara Opperman The prospect of university is daunting for every 18-year-old, whether you are willing to admit it or not. A whole new environment to adapt to, a lot of new people to meet, a crazy schedule to keep up with and homesickness also becomes a reality. With all this on your plate, a little help doesn’t sound bad at all...

For a Nerina Newcomer that help comes in two forms during her first year: an academic and a wellness mentor. Twelve mentors are carefully selected from a very strong group of candidates each year. The whole mentoring structure in Nerina changed quite a bit this year. It was the first time that the academic mentors were also a part of the Welcoming programme.

This change allowed the Newcomers to sort out any and all academic related matters before the start of term and get acquainted with the prospect of academics at university.

The increased presence of the academic mentors during Welcoming gave every mentor the chance to focus on their specific role, be it in an academic or emotional capacity.

Every Nerina can probably remember their first encounter with their wellness mentor.

For most of us, it was on move-in day. The scenario was probably the following: A stranger walking towards you with a big smile on her face, greeting you on your name as you approach the front door. You nod and smile, trying to remember everything she’s saying. Sound about right? This stranger pretty soon becomes (or tries to become) your tour guide, personal assistant, amateur psychologist all in one. The wellness mentors are there every step of the Welcoming journey, behind and beside the Newcomers.

PERSONALITIES

Being on the Newcomer side is stressful, of course, but being a mentor is a whole new ballgame. Every mentor has their own different expectations for their mentoring journey, but the desire to help the Newcomers is the same for all of them. As a mentor, it is such a great privilege to form such a crucial part of someone’s first memories at Stellenbosch and this privilege is not taken lightly.

A week before move-in day all the mentors move into Nerina to attend the mentor training. While this training occurs, the mentors also interact with and learn from the mentor groups from other residences. During this time, all the Nerina mentors also have a chance to get to know each other and form special bonds.

These bonds are essential as you lean on each other constantly during the crazy ride that is Welcoming.

Academic mentors are responsible for everything academic. They help the Newcomers with their academic programme during Welcoming, provide important tips for their degree and answer all the Newcomer questions, which there are always a lot of.

Academic and wellness mentors are a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, a friend in a time of need. What your mentor means to you, is different from the next person. But every mentor can provide a small safe haven in the midst of absolute chaos.

PERSONALITIES

Nerina Views Marise Schoonraad

Nerina Views are those little moments in our day when the noise and chaos around us fade out and give us a moment to breathe, moments when perspective meets promise. Sometimes just looking at the mountains are as good for me as it would have been walking in them. Their vastness quietly sits down in me, making me think of my own mountains. Are they so tough or are they giants meant to shape me into a stronger person than I was yesterday? I muster the courage to take on the climb.

Photo credits: Laurie Smith

The fountain is my personal favourite view. The fountain overflows with life. Sometimes someone sits calmly on the side, making ripple effects with their feet, sometimes there is noise and splashing and laughter. Imagine we could be like the fountain, creating a space for realizing the impact of the ripples we make or just a place where joy can flow.

Photo credits: Jess Holing

Sometimes you are lucky enough to catch a view of the bike. How lucky we are to have this view everyone longs for. We hold a treasure that can be lost but never truly taken from us. Just like we look for our bike after it has been stolen, we should search for the treasures within each other. Pieces of beauty that might have gone unnoticed because treasures form different images depending on the the light that shines on them. Alles vir die fiets…

Photo credits: Jess Holing CANDID

Oh, what a place the dining hall can be. A place for you and a place for me. A place of meeting and being. Gatherings give it a life that reverberates there long after the company has left. Joy just finds you wherever you go. Food and feelings are much better when the experience is shared. So, come and sit at the table; it doesn’t matter how much is on your plate. There is someone who wants to YODEL with you; you should not let them wait.

Photo credits: Jess Holing

I wonder what all these views have done for my heart. What has it done for yours? I would like to think they have also become views with more character and colour. Views that can help another soul heal. Views that are worth the climb.

Views that create space for fun and for sharing.

May we all aspire to become ‘Nerina Views’. To breathe and shine the beauty that we see. I hope that people will look at us and see something that they also want to be, because a view should be within reach. I hope that you will discover the view that you want to be. Wrap yourself in the beauty of the things that you see.

Photo credits: Laurie Smith

Wrap yourself in the beauty of the things that you see.

CANDID

SHOWCASING CREATIVITY Elmi Bruwer

Nerina is a special place, with a lot of special people. Talent is something you will find in every corner of Nerina, incuding creative talent. A few Nerinas agreed to share their creative work.

Looking up I see the jacaranda The purple contrasts against the blue-blue skies Laughs echo across the quad A feeling of warmth envelops me A feeling of home Nerina -Elmi Bruwer

I know all of us are exhausted after this crazy term. Lisa Nauta’s photography will transport you back to a careless December, with endless sun-kisses on the warm sands and the soothing sound of the ocean hushing you to sleep.

CANDID

Our wonderful NCC member Jess Holing is the owner of the Instagram page @jesscreatesthings. She designs and creates jewellery and captures moments with words, photos and films. Go give her page a follow if you need some inspiration or just some positive vibes!

Lameez Hendricks' writing captures the essence of Nerina beautifully. That homefeeling we all get when we walk through the door could not have been described better. Her writing reminds us that in Nerina we are never alone - it will always be our safe space, our home i've known these people for forever in a year and for a year í've been trying to find the right words. they've taught me that sometimes all you need is a walk; some ice cream; to watch the sunset from the balcony; a visit to another floor for hours that are filled with laughter while sitting on the floor. i never thought that a place outside of the one that watched me grow could be called home. but these people and their hugs this place and its energy and kindness and love and warmth is watching me grow in ways i never knew were possible and i'm thankful for every smile it has given me. this place - and its people - is the home i never knew i needed. to more growth, ice cream, schnitzel Wednesdays, walks, purple flowers, early morning coffee, midnight laughs, and two a.m. laundry.

- Lameez Hendricks CANDID

Crossword

ACROSS 2. The piece of music that defined Welcoming.

6. When funds are running low, we rely on...

8. Who placed third at Vensters?

9. ... was the name of our first house mother's dog.

10. A genre of music (and also the nickname of an NCC member).

DOWN 1. When the Stellenbosch summers get too hot, you can take a dip in the...

3. The section where all the grandmas live.

4. What time is it? The time is...

5. "Want ons is cool, ons spoel ons mond met..."

7. The section that won the table tennis tournament during IBN.

Answers to Crossword: 1. Fountain 2. Yodel 3. Vic 4. Right 5. Aquafresh 6. COB 7. Broadway 8. Hipporina 9. Brutus 10. Jazz

Have a happy recess!