BRUTUS May 2021 | The Becoming Edition

BRUTUS NERINA RESIDENCE

respect | integrity | ubuntu | potential development

THE BECOMING EDITION

VOL I 2021

Embrace the uncertainty.

Enjoy the beauty of becoming.

When nothing is certain, anything is possible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BRUTUS INTRODUCTION

Editor's Note

04

The Brutus Team

05

Our Story

06

THE BECOMING

Why The Future is Ours to Mould

24

Want to Change Courses? Here's What

THE BEING

The Art of Living in the Moment

08

A Story of Hope

10

Finding Joy Through Balance

12

Stellenbosch Inspires

14

Opinion Piece: Language as a tool for Inclusivity

Welcoming Reminiscences

Aesthetics and Living

17

19

22

You Need to Know

26

Resources for Self Growth

28

Entertainment with Depth

29

Nerina Entrepreneurs

30

Nothing, Also, Everything

32

editor's note

A

As I sit at my desk in room 3016, I cannot help but smile. The hallways are alive with excited murmurs and scurrying feet. Even the owls in the Jacaranda tree seem more animated than usual. Why might this be?

Because it’s Tuesday, res is full and people are

splashing

in

the

fountain.

Tomorrow

this might all be gone, but right now we are young and healthy and in Stellenbosch.

The

theme

“Embrace beauty

quote

the

of

for

this

edition

uncertainty.

becoming.

is:

Enjoy

When

the

nothing

is

certain, anything is possible.”

Being in the midst of a pandemic, we are living

in

dangling

uncertain on

the

times,

precipice

continuously of

perceived

(finding

hope

for

defining

success

the

for

future,

yourself

self-growth,

and

stepping

normality and chaos. This edition of Brutus

into

tries to focus on how we can leverage that

strives to offer a perfect balance between

uncertainty

and

articles that inspire, give practical tips and

finding new opportunities. Thus, it is about

are personally moulded to a Nerina’s realm of

becoming the best version of yourself; who

experience.

you

together with much love, care and all the rich

are

through,

for

destined you

will

personal

to find

be. two

growth

While

paging

sections:

the

being (articles that focus on the present,

your

destiny.)

All

in

The

all,

Becoming

this

is

put

golden shades of autumn. I hope you find a piece of yourself between the pages.

living in the moment, finding joy in small things) and the becoming

edition

Edition

All my love,

Karmen

the team Thebrutus Brutus Team

Karmen Wiid | Editor

Embeth du Toit | NCC

Jess Holing | Photographer

Lisa Nauta

Lara Opperman

Hannah Roux

Anje Strobos

Leandrie du Toit

Ané Havenga

Elani Smith

Jéan-Miri Olivier

Anja Steyn

our story

N Nerina’s South

name

comes

African

delicate, colour

yet

to

the

locations

in

State.

It

bulbous

to

takes

–

here

in

Stellenbosch

for

they

exit

need

Nerina The

to

in

into

their

three

the

years

world

respective

residents

first

the

stands,

complete.

residence beloved

four

back as

Mrs

head.

layed

to

finds

in

peace

beautiful

of

in

the

Jacaranda

reminiscing

over

greets,

her

striving

to

was

Kritzinger

residential farewell

in

Plessis

has

hearts

as

mother

head

was

not

privilege

1995

a

and

death.

Today for

1999.

shade

of

resident

memory.

for

been

deeply

residential

since

July

1999.

planted

head

and

in

of

well.

to she

While

time

goes

foundation

time We

part

part

that

as

of

while,

the

heart

town

of

and

will

often

say,

our

we

lives”

have

the

hers.

roots

of

with

Nerina Residence

pride

progressive

Stellenbosch.

our

flourish.

us

our

blooms a

integrity,

du

house

–

development.

as

bid

Annette

growth. home

home-away-from-home

respect,

potential to

Nerina

Tannie

our

big

and

firm

leave.

little

residence

beautiful

purple

to

a a

being

Nerina’s

our

innovative

he

had

we

Oh,

Stories

as

our

and

servant

hearts.

face

adapt

that

spirit

been

new

Joy

head.

tell...

joy

has

before

such

of

our

changes

after

for

joyful

could

and

know

fact,

He

where

and

face

have

practical

tears,

grow

to

first

was

soil

joined in

in

is

but

walls

twenty

difficult

resident

her

and

every

long

long

“Nerina

and Mrs.

laid

stand

to

Nerina

also

the

house

our

we

overjoyed

love,

With

after and

captured

our

1968

A.

current

true

she

with

to

Nerina’s

with

his

1972

residents

next

tragic

Nerina’s

1968.

in

Brutus,

the a

in

door

was

dog,

passed

rest

the

front

Rabie Her

resident

unfortunately

years

entrance

the

many.

are

honest

stories

before

by,

completed

the

the

Aunty

heartfelt

our

is

leadership

Since

start

we

her

filled

and

a

as

name

with

in

careers.

first

use

Her

are

home

only

bicycle

owls

about

this

during

Nerinas

our

for

our

most

precious

was

to

still

our

Free

greeting

was

Petersen

for

time

hosted

had

is

likewise

first

years

goodbye,

the

years

the

Although

humid

Transkei,

and

residence

and

yet

and

for

This

brings

and

Cape,

three

rooted

bloom

flower

Eastern

bloom

indigenous

Filifolia.

grasslands

Mpumalanga

autumn

to

the

Nerine

enduring

open

the

Swaziland,

from

flower,

In

name,

and

in

We

Ubuntu this

house,

Nerinas

the

stand and true

prosper

TA SEVAEL HCSOBNELLETS

RUOH NEDLOG

the being

the art of living in the moment

The

art

of

me,

means

you

in

the

enjoy that

feel

moment,

life

and

come

not

you

think

to

and

I

have

enjoyable

inspire to

not

think

to

take

we

life

can

lockdown

made

important

social

Perhaps regret

our

lives. of

We

the

face

are

capacity remote to

old

habit

has

for

are

of

with

all

degrees, more

to

than

just

we

we

to

and

the

there

really

to

We

-

is

stress

not

but

it

is

into

the

in

our than

so

with much

experience

especially

need

picture; than

that

make

difference?

us

the

University

future

Will

sure

graduate

university

experience.

date.

100%

I’m

back

Stellenbosch

into

one

rather

to

studying

bigger

be

others.

but

the

our

allowing

‘hermitting’

here

the

didn’t

over

taught

fall

us

allowed

granted,

to

are.

made

take

studying,

mingling

We

even

lectures

easy

rooms,

how

residences.

this

very

realise

fortunate

in

still

that

Universities

learning

take

seriously.

connections

to

face

want

agree

because

only

to

too

us

academics

I

for

spontaneous

opportunities

before

do

time

but

all

lockdown

the

seize

be

with

and

the

things,

you

way.

overwhelmed

responsibilities

to

seize

your

academic

more

NEVER REGRET ANYTHING THAT MADE YOU SMILE

to

opportunities Perhaps

Hannah Roux

living

one

that Is

it

yourself

to think the

further

next

tutorial much

really out

consider

of

due test a

necessary

about

it?

A

life

be

well

is

emotionally,

healthy if

lived

Take

we

not,

that

time

out

maintaining to

live

with

in

continue our

to

for

are

We

lucky

In

light

be

Nerina in

in

safety

to of

way

to

for

concerned the

do

stress

this

though

is

to

many

of

learning

but

shouldn’t

we

and

order

Online

live

you

something

house

It

is

does take

events

understands

work

outside

therefore for

and of

play.

Nerina

wonderful

us

to

that

participate

house.

also

means

holding would

in

you

really

regret

got

that

that

between

socialising

Don’t fear

a

balance

moment

to.

in

our

that

regret

too

In

online.

of

something

because

and

bellyflop.

even

many

be

take

be

to

exercise,

minimise

practical

so

may

scared

to

a

yourself.

not

flexibility,

daunting.

the

be

timetable

still

that

too

a

Covid-19,

arranges

the

Living fear

of

to

happy

academics;

physical for

need

this.

importance

might

in,

so

A

our just

and

need

us.

timetable

into

for

and

We

physically

might

day

we

follow

of

the

dive

balance.

and

dive

moment

advantage

are

can

your

cause

classes

allow

of

future,

academics

with

relationships,

the

the

life

mentally

before

we’re

a

the

the

made

letting back

love

And

smile.

of

from do,

chances

way.

you

to

go

doing

but

you

the

are

didn’t

never,

ever

a story of hope Jess Holing

Stories: I've always loved them. Telling them, hearing about them, bringing them to life. Telling others people's stories has always been something that brings me so much joy, and I know this is a calling in my life. However, most of the time I forget about a story that is right under my nose; a story that makes all the difference in my everyday life. The stories that are mine!

While thinking about this topic and wondering who I should interview, I had such a sense that the things I overlook and experience in my everyday life are also important stories to tell – and this goes for everyone! This is unusual for me, as I always tend to lean toward others’ stories without giving my own enough weight in my life.

2020 was a whole story within itself. There’s not

I’ve

a single human on this planet that doesn’t have

success

a story to tell about the way that this pandemic

much I do and how busy I am, I will always be

has taken what they thought they knew, held it

missing

over a fire, and watched it melt into something

important thing in everyone - the fact that our

we’ve

purpose can never be defined by our actions

never

seen

before

never experienced.

But

-

something

newness

is

we’ve

often

the

realised and

the

that my

as

long

as

‘contribution’

most

important

I to

measure life

thing:

by

the

my how

most

alone (spoiler alert, our humanity fails us – a lot).

start of your next story. I know this was the case for

me.

I

purposeless,

remember lost

and

feeling

confused

completely

in

the

period

when we were waiting to hear if we could come back

to

res

or

not.

I

felt

like

I

wasn’t

doing

anything significant with my life, and anything I did

do

didn’t

feel

like

it

was

enough.

I

just

wanted to be back, I wanted to be busy, and I didn’t

like

all

the

space

and

time

I

had

that

reminded me daily of everything I wasn’t doing with my life. This reminder came like an early morning wake up, sheets ripped off and lights blasting in your eyes. There’s no avoiding it. But res opened again, we were allowed to come back, I became a mentor like I’ve dreamed of being

and

I

got

ending, right?

to

see

friends

again.

Who we ARE – there’s the purpose. There’s the connection. There’s the ‘making the difference’ I’ve been searching for within my busyness. YOU – under the layers of who you’re expected to be and what people tell you you should be doing.

Your

heart.

That’s

your

purpose.

And

within

Nerina’s walls, I’ve been slowly learning that I am accepted for who I am - individually, and as a collective.

Who am I in this sisterhood we find

ourselves in? I am accepted. I am loved. I am cherished. I am challenged.

I am connected.

This is what we need to be telling ourselves, even in the moments when it feels like the last thing we believe.

Happy

It seems like it, but recently I’ve

This is a story, my story, and it’s still in

felt those same insecurities and unsure feelings

progress. But I’m learning that I don’t

pushing to the surface again. I push them down,

have to wait until the story ends to tell it.

I tell them “I’m too busy to speak to you right

And until then, I’ll keep paging though,

now”, but deep down I know the busyness is just

savouring the smell of new pages and

a

new words, trusting that one day I can

filter

I’ve

put

over

the

questions

that

are

begging to be heard. Not answered – just heard.

I’ve realised that I have allowed my identity to be defined by all the ‘things’ I was doing, or wasn’t doing, or wanted to be doing. All I wanted was to be back in res and back in my busy lifestyle!

And

now

I

am!

But

to

my

surprise,

as

the

busyness I thought would solve all my problems came doubts

back, I

so

was

did

the

having,

same

chipping

thoughts away

confidence and building my self-doubt.

at

and my

look back, finish off the conclusion, and thank all the chapters in the middle for teaching me what it means to surrender your story.

finding joy through balance Lara Opperman

The

art

me,

means

of

living to

opportunities Perhaps

think

that

you

academic

in

feel

have

inspire

to

you

life

the

with

the

previous

the

on

“WITH

happens time.

handling life

and

through

first,

but

joy

that

be

well

emphasis

needs

to

balance

be

isn’t

naturally

or

it

takes

seniors,

Heike

Muller

and

go-to

craziness they

is

This

try,

their

the

how

it

The

Nerina

share all

for.

first

Rozaan

Koopman

to

for.

will

comes

the

Beloved

and

something

at

Finding

that on

Edeling,

is

strives

sentence

TIME.”

to

that

absolute

striving

something

not

more

want

bustle

balance

in

do

spontaneous

balance

worth

with

seriously.

the

with

way.

for

I

unachievable

time,

comes

but

student

seem

and

to

seize

your

time

and

life,

every

may

be

too

hustle

university that

come

the

things,

In

and

responsibilities

you

take

moment,

life

overwhelmed

enjoyable

not

the

enjoy

Nerine tips

of

of

student

keep

smiling

Heike

ticks

completes to

keep

of

preventing

your the

day

as

planning!

planning, In

to-do

lists,

that

helps

you

and

at

and

stick

ease.

Find

with

form

works

schedules, feel

it.

more

what

Take for

a

as

bit

breath

yourself;

long

and

and

to

take

even

me-time

and your

LISTEN

trying

or

to

when

reach

Stop is

know

too

quite

to.

part

listening

You

a

body

some

crucial

is

she

herself

tell

some

better,

into

your

life.

Investing your time and energy

planning

whichever

you:

daily

used

your

schedule

Preventing burnout & making time for yourself

body.

doesn’t

it

what

tasks

Another

getting

eyes

time

Planning,

is

smile

the

motivating

burnout

and

your

to

all

going.

mind

you.

all.

off

them,

and for

anything

in

works

According prioritizing

control

time,

for

whom

you

to

you you

is

will

these the

keyword

realize

want

to

three

here.

where

invest

Nerinas,

and

your

With with

time.

Rozaan

tries

to

perspective. makes her

if

picture

to

say

every Keep a

NO.

close

can’t

track

reschedule

for

of

to

also

together meal

as

together

alternative.

big-

in

as

how

attend

res

works of

for

all

your

schedule, too

Nerine.

following

week.

Last

and

work

make

all

you

that

with

of

that

is

to

find

through

Eating healthy on a budget

Eating isn’t

is

a

error.

at

heavy

learning

You

suited res on

saves the

need to a

to

your lot

wallet.

of

Nerine

It

to

It

you and

the

all

of

with

suggests

to

never

to

the

truly

chaos.

stumble

lies:

and

to

through

okay.

joy

up

to

remind

will

still

is

real

balance

date

time

can

can also

joy

that

takes

that

the

just

daily

partner

and

Finding

in

or a

staying

process

it.

SS,

can

also

work

of

friends

up

are

we

make

the

on

alone.

stay

balance

it

other

your

where

so

minute

you

a

then,

is

home,

accountability

all

sometimes

and

date

course

shops

deadlines.

the

Even

at

with

to

perfected.

find

your

coffee

less

work.

ensure

be

time

terms

to

at

each

feel

an

balance

lifestyle.

in

sessions

Studying you

the

you

best

meals,

up

privilege

at

with

having

date

and

fun

eating

specials.

every

study

motivate

is

tip

stay

year

enjoy

in

basis.

Trial

a

of

own

with

this

together

check

what

her

to

stores’

have

Organize

find

is

connected

use

process.

as

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Studying accountability

didn’t

this

res

Another

money

buddies!

again,

in

making

combination

making

the

pooling

and

if

busy,

Stay

Once

A

and

saving

with

suggests

friends

coffee-date.

getting the

Rozaan

asks

Also,

learn

possibly or

she

invests

her

priorities.

party

is

she

into

important

You

social,

week

fits

and is

picture

immediately

this

it

big

decision

where

she

goal

student

a

every

concerning

time,

herself

a

have

With

Maybe trying

laughing

all.

“Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought life was going to be and actually find joy in the story that you’re living.”

Stellenbosch inspires Lisa Nauta

Stellenbosch is the hub of

As mentioned before, the

student life in South Africa

Stellenbosch

- or so all the Matielanders

campus

would

throughout

claim.

being

a

Despite

is

strewn

the

centre

of

small

the town and is probably

campus, student life is so

one of the few campuses

integrated

in

daily

relatively

University

in

the

activities

often

hard

town’s

that

to

it

is

distinguish

the

country

where

students do not need a car to

perform

their

daily

between them. According

activities. “Going to town”

to

is

wine

life

farm

in

Stellenbosch the

same

most

employees,

and just

in

of

around wasn’t

2020

the

with

students

studying

remotely

-

and

business

definitely

wasn’t

a

euphemism

know-what out

of

town

is

manageable services

for

and

still

with

or

you-

getting very Uber

squeezing

seven people into a Suzuki Jimny

to

go

celebrate

at

the same! Indeed, Campus

The Thirsty Scarecrow. This

Security

restaurant-cum-strawberry

take

a

rest

of

was

relieved

breather, the

restaurants

but

shops sighed

to the

farm

is

and

road

to

in

and

situated

on

Somerset

boasts

the West with

remembrance of the hustle

strawberry-picking

and bustle the town used

experiences,

to experience on any given

dance and events venue, a

day of the week.

thick

drinks

colourful Even

though

seems

to

Stellenbosch be

watered

down without its people, it nevertheless

houses

of

magical

the

most

beautiful secrets.

sights

some and and

decorations perimeter.

a

stunning

menu

and

animal-like along

its

While walking along the revered oak lane

opportunities

called

but

atmosphere in the Bonsai exhibition, the

look up at the mountains towering over

Arid and Aquatic plants gardens, as well

the old flower-scattered town. There are

as the Glasshouses and Fernhouses. The

several

restaurant

Victoria

street,

stately

encircling

one

mountains

Stellenbosch

cannot

immediately

situated

in

a

courting

jungle-like

common bucket list item to hike up all of

quiet environment - and their chocolate

them.

cake

time

that

is

lighter

patch where one can sit and work in a

the

it

is

a

a

During

and

for

the

2021

newcomers were arriving early in March,

slices

should

not

be

underestimated!

there was unfortunately a huge veldfire that consumed most of the Jonkershoek

I

Nature Reserve and enveloped the town

Stellenbosch

and its residents in a cloud of smoke for

disappointed

a

with

few

days.

However,

the

other

rocky

believe

a

the

few

vast youth

that other

were

The

very

Square,

student

along

recreational

their

tops.

COVID-19. However, there is still hope as

Many of the Men’s Residences including

some legendary names like De Akker, De

Simonsberg, Helshoogte, Helderberg and

Lapa, Julian’s, Bohemia and many more

Pieke

remain

have

also

fittingly

been

named

survive

the

spaces,

cloud-blanketed

not

of

giants still offer breathtaking views from regularly

did

majority

standing

and

after the mountains and passes in the

relocated

surrounding area.

Stellenbosch

and

died

at

The

Stellenbosch

down

Gardens

chicken

is

remain a haven of peace and tranquillity

Visser’s

anchor

in

painted,

the

heart

residents,

but

of

Botanical

and

the

the

old

town

students

for

support

all it

than

still

its all

and

and

of

has

spirit has

of not

Helshoogte’s

serenaded,

still

Huis

The

students

being is

stroke

Catwalk

reopened.

Simonsberg’s

ever,

the

asking

grass

is

Marais’s

Huis

to

be

greener rock

is

especially since they enjoy free entry into

regularly set alight to purge it from the

the gardens. Although it may not be the

handprints appearing during the night.

best place for a romantic date (because most

of

the

nice

nooks

and

prohibit picnics), there are many

crannies

Venturing

into

town

hidden

well

as

as

clustered

are

the

Some

Gypsy

Restaurant

Col’Cacchio’s. behind

this

the

many

The

gems

good cool-down chat session between

personal

Trading

and

Some

are

are

not-so-hidden

together.

favourites Back’s

there

Post,

Deli,

of

the

student

and

reasons

deals

and

fountain

classes

on

balconies

in

a

the

hot

were

sleepovers

day

built

with

summer

quad

is

Nerina’s

during of

captured

by

the the Nic

whole

Stellenbosch by Jan Bloukaas precedes

specials.

One

that

however,

is

Lanzerac

Wine

the

Stellenbosch

to

name

cannot

free

be

shuttle

Estate

for

University

all

the

ignored,

service

to

students

of

to

go

wine

Lente”,

for

Stevens’s

article

Altyd

a

discounts on offer, but it would take a second

“Dis

for

specifically

Some

spirit

song

and

friends

months.

Stellenbosch

makes

and

many visits to town.

Stellenbosch

is

so

rich

in

sights

and

experiences that it is easy to say a lot

tasting. The Stellenbosch area is known

about

to have 130-150 wine farms, ensuring that

encapsulate everything and do it justice.

there is never a reason to be bored or

The

have a lack of fresh countryside air.

landscapes and buildings - some of them over

On

the

other

hand,

residences

and

organisations

take

but

town’s

soul

three

extremely

rests

centuries

in

hard

its

old

-

to

beautiful

while

its

the

university

essence is described by the people living

private

student

in and around its centre. The heart of

to

Matieland is impossible to capture in just

make sure that there is never a dull or

a few lines written by one person, but by

quiet

jumping

moment

Nerina passed

on

resident, since

it

it,

on

themselves

campus. a

week

move-in

As has

day

a

proud

not

yet

without

“serenade” by some or other residence.

a

wholeheartedly

surroundings, discovering

one

can

everything

magical place.

into

our

continue

about

this

OPINION PIECE

language as a tool for inclusivity Raffaela Clegg

One of the major legacies of both colonialism

The

and Apartheid is the exclusion of groups of the

therefore not dismantled effectively as non-native

population

English

through

the

intentional

hierarchal

hierarchy

established

speakers

are

by

colonialism

constantly

is

interacting

in

status awarded to certain languages over others.

spaces in which they are not entirely comfortable

Stellenbosch

or in control.

institutions

alongside in

South

most

Africa

educational has

a

long-

perpetuated history of exclusion which it has only

Stellenbosch has the additional historical issue of

recently attempted to redefine.

the glorification and nationalism of the Afrikaans language.

For

Because of the widespread domination of English

available

culture,

comprehensive

English

has

become

the

common

to

many

students

if

education

they

did

understanding

have

a

Afrikaans.

like residences and lecture halls. This may seem

combination of both English and Afrikaans, to the

like

a

exclusion

it

isiXhosa, isiZulu or any of the other 7 languages

compounds a sense of superiority and entitlement

within our country. The education gap in South

within

English

Africa is one of the greatest contributors to the

speakers are rarely called to step outside of their

fact that over 50% of our country lives below the

comfort zones as speakers of all other languages

poverty line, and one of the most basic human

are expected to exist and interact within English

rights

spaces.

language.

common

the

compromise

thread

of

as

it

allows

understanding,

English-speaking

population.

for

but

is

of

the

students

right

to

are

not

not

Currently,

decent

lectures

of

was

language and is considered the default in spaces

a

most

years,

whose

available

home

education

in

in

language

one’s

a

is

home

OPINION PIECE

One

may

argue

that

the

translation

of

lecture

material into other languages is expensive and time

consuming,

awarding

but

accessible

the

economic

education

to

impact a

of

greater

portion of South Africa would far outweigh such concerns.

Within

residences,

create

a

more

the

easiest

inclusive

way

to

begin

environment

to

through

language would be to have bi-weekly seminars in which

common

Afrikaans

and

IsiXhosa

phrases

are taught to the entire res. Alternatively, these discussions

could

be

held

in

section

meetings,

and

greater

variety

languages.

of

these

the may This

compulsory include will

aid

a in

forcing English speakers to step outside of their comfort

zones

and

exist

within

non-English

spaces and will establish a sense of investment and interest in languages which have not been given a platform at the university.

I am of the opinion that it isn’t enough to simply ask people to switch to English in common spaces as

this

does

nothing

enthusiasm

within

celebrating

the

within

the

further

displaces

cultivate

residences

different

space.

systemically

to

to

of

and

that

exist

well-intentioned,

languages at

sense

learning

languages

Although

placed

a

that

the

have

bottom

it

been

of

the

language hierarchy both in policy and practice for decades. For this reason, residences have a duty

to

put

dismantling where

measures

the

people

celebrated

for

Stellenbosch becoming

a

hierarchy

in

place

and

creating

feel

not

their

differences.

can truly

begin

only

to

inclusive

to

aid

spaces

accepted In

move

in

this

but way,

towards

environment

as

opposed to an environment that makes minimal effort in order to fulfil diversity requirements.

welcoming reminiscences Leandrie du Toit

UNDER THE OLD JACARANDA TREE, YOU WILL SEE DREAMS WRAPPED IN LILAC RIBBONS DANCING IN THE WIND.

HOME IS WHERE LOVE RESIDES, MEMORIES ARE CREATED, FRIENDS ALWAYS BELONG, AND LAUGHTER NEVER ENDS.”

On

4

of

2021

March

nervous, needed every with of

their

some

were

help

energy

the

Under

the

mentors for

the

very know

exciting

special each

time

other were

at

the

in

effort

every

was to

moved

for on

a

the

formed

morning

This

felt

relief

to

was They

The

also got

level

does).

that

prepare

drinking

one

at

concerning

intimate

while (as

and

planning

in-person.

earlier

seniors.

more

corner

sat

into

huge

ahead.

up

Newcomers.

everyone

be in

With lit

atmosphere

NCC

the

went

a

just

tangible.

the

that

some

fridge.

uncertainties

week

friendships 02:00

tree

able

NCC

filling

welcome

were

Nerina

welcoming

it

was

and

day

almost

the

pandemic,

heavy

this

ensuring

all

Welcoming

that

and

was

to

Newcomers Some

The

and

and

With

excited

on

jacaranda

time

Welcoming

very

the

home.

laughter

excitedly

much

home.

and

strangers

the

new

minute

residence.

waited

welcomed

carrying

passing

between

So

Nerina

to

a to

and

coffee

Welcoming residence the

time

connect

in

describe

the

one

tone

your

such

a is

Newcomers

it

you

year

is

group

jam-packed

it

also really and

Trying

difficult,

gave

your

can

friendships.

word

for

and

where

with

invest

the

experience

only

just

sets

a

but

to

week

in

some

of

Leandrie du Toit

try.

“Welcoming” – Bernice Ndebele “Blessing” – Cara Jordaan “Unforgettable” – Carla Müller Looking few

back

there

memorable

worth you

sharing, find

those until

but

joy

moments

and

are

definitely

most

in

that

old

the

time

collections

will

and

are

simplest

the

a

that

of

the

it’s

memories you

are

moments

stay

with

of of you

wrinkled.

This

event

one,

the

The

Nerina’s three

that

welcoming main

NCC

Light

took

showed spots.

the

them

The

bushes vibe

and

and

and

Morning the

the

squad

jumping pillars,

getting

is

Light

newcomers all

about

specifically

Night,

hype

appearance,

unique

events:

Housewarming During

is

of

Hope.

out

from a

and

local

made

ensuring

everyone

and

town

favourite also

the

ended

with

deeper

emotional

some

of

Newcomers

are

All-in-all

filled

very

shares

they

evening

a

also

with

it

light,

and

just

one

was

this

human.

big

an

house

their

dance

evening

values

and

connections.

Night,

mentors to

our

with

that

party.

Something

also

NCC

struggles shows

is

their

behind festive

“KEEN”.

Housewarming seniors with

got

the

bit

in

and

the

even

this

Rec

filled

the

each

other’s

filled

the

hall

-

special

also

the

last

and

an

and

Section

fun

the

not

be

games

enjoyed

Red hall

common

of

hands as

this

blood,

related,

Hope.

memorable

event

whole

be

we

connected.

Morning

very

the

of

might

be

to

event

everyone

our

we

always

event

feeling.

as

time

Nerina

interfered

the

company.

walls

the

the

beautifully

the

giving

laughter

symbolized although

caused

time

spend

of

weather

homey

songs,

ties

and

was

The

hall,

more

Lastly

meet

first

members

red.

theme

will

the

Everyone

dressed

in

to

new

family.

a

was

week

of

This

is

event;

welcoming,

together.

a

it’s

so

it

The up

NCC

and

Newcomers

Coetzenburg

first

cross.

see

sang

the

created

there

The

house a

in

of

enjoyed

a

delicious

together

and

writing year.

down

Under

tree,

you

the will

dancing

in

dreams

the

wrote

the

old

see wind.

an

Rijnen. did

dreams

big

all

to

group

their

they

from

Zahn

the

to

brunch

listened

of

giggles

and

favourite

when

The

whole

was

pleasantly

creativity Every in

some

of

social

Pieke

reveal.

Pieke

It of

a

lot

men’s

Another was

Elham won

in

for

the

bike

defended

our

was

also

the

male

a

lot

of

on

bathroom

The

contributed

to

a

the

Looking it

back

and

by

section’s

the

story.

balcony,

chat

spontaneous at

lunch

memorable

was

at

truly

and

2021

corridors.

of

just a

welcoming a

belonged,

week.

made,

laughter

Nerina a

time

home

where everyone

filled

became

university away

2021,

the

more

residence, from

it

home.

moments with

during

Pieke.

at

race,

when came

all the

with

where

honour

Pancakes

a

This

seeing

activity

residences

Newcomers

and

session

the

fun

additional

attended

the

are

our

precious

each

These

confusion fun

of

were

fun,

An

was

swopped

of

many

surprised

memories

with

ensuring

the

ribbons

newcomers

interaction

resulted the

the

NCC

front

house

coffee

the

than

the

the

concert.

became

were

was

lilac

memorable

on

blushes.

dancing

Jacaranda

newcomers

other

course

the

down.

Some

everyone

This

they

speech

activity

group

When

Nerina,

last

of

belonging

to

vice-prim

could

unity.

returned

former

the

view

bigger.

encouraging

grass,

whole

song

feeling

something

to

they

beautiful

Stellenbosch.

serenade

mountain

From

the

walked

and back. some

to

May Nerina’s passages always welcome every Nerina after a long day of studying and may the owls in the Jacaranda tree keep watch over our dreams, dancing between the branches.

M A K I N G

Y O U R

R O O M

A

L I V I N G

A N D

L E A R N I N G

E N V I R O N M E N T

aesthetics and living Jéan-Miri Olivier Decorating a residence room is tough since they aren't exactly cute by nature. Online learning has doubled the time we spend in our rooms, so taking time to create a comfortable

learning

environment

should

be

a

priority.

Even though we don’t get a lot of space to work with, being creative and making your Nerina room feel like home should be an exciting task to take on. Here are a few tips to make your room aesthetically pleasing.

MEMORIES FROM HOME Print out photos of you and your friends throughout the year. Put them on your wall or cupboard to make the space feel like home.

A DASH OF GREEN Green plants are a must - especially if you are a plant lover. The plants take away any stuffiness in the room and add a sense of minimalistic decor.

MINIMALISTIC FRAMES Less is more: buy 3-4 minimalistic frames (depending on the

size)

and

insert

a

picture

of

either

your

favourite

quote/art piece/drawing/poem and hang them up.

STYLISH AND PRACTICAL EXTRAS A tasteful laundry basket, wire wall grid or can transform a space into a home.

bed drawer

NI DETTOPS LWO S'ANIREN

EERT ADNARACAJ EHT

the becoming

N E M O W

N E M O W

why the future is ours to mold Anja Steyn We live in tumultuous times. Just look at the past

In 1939 another war started, in 1963 the USA and

year – I do not think that anyone could have ever

USSR were on the brink of full-fledged nuclear

imagined 2020 would turn out the way it did.

war. As is clear, Covid-19 is neither the first, nor

Covid-19

will

present

completely uncertainty

exacerbated

surrounding

our

the

ever-

lives,

but

it

be

the

last

display

of

uncertainty.

But

what human history has taught us, is that we can

that uncertainty had been there since the dawn

grow

of time. We have always faced uncertainty – it is

are always around the corner. In the ‘60s the

not something new or exciting or terrifying. It is

Civil

a

voting

constant;

constants

and

one

throughout

of

the

human

most

enduring

history.

Even

from

uncertainty,

Rights rights

Movement for

black

and

that

better

advocated

things

for

Americans;

and

equal they

succeeded. Not without loss or failure, but they

though it may feel as if the uncertainty we are

succeeded.

facing

years, went from being an oppressive apartheid

during

Covid-19

is

unprecedented,

it

is

becoming

Africa,

a

within

vibrant

a

hundred

not unheard of.

state,

Let us look back over the past 100 years. In 1920

short, the world we live in now is a much safer,

there was also a pandemic, right after the end

much more prosperous world than ever before.

of one of the bloodiest wars the world had seen.

to

South

democracy.

In

want to change courses?

Anje Strobos

Deciding what you want to study and do for the rest of your life when you’re only 18 years old (in most cases), is a very tall order. It’s in many ways unfair to expect that and to be sure of your choice when only a few weeks ago, you still needed permission to go to the bathroom during class. Some people are lucky enough

to

either

already

know

what

they

want to study from a young age, or they pick the right course the first time. But more often than not, people get to class and realise that the course they signed up for, is not what they expected and not what they want to do.

If you’re one of those people, I’m here to help you a bit to change courses and take that next

step

you’re

to

do

probably

what

you

going

to

like.

be

Remember,

doing

this

for

quite some time, so rather change the course sooner than later. Be brave, admit that you’re not happy with your course, and do what you love.

A

good

place

change

your

to

start

course

is

when to

you

speak

want to

to

your

parents/ guardian, or someone whose opinion you really trust. They might have some good insight or advice on your situation which is always helpful and can guide you in making the right decision. Also, it is important to be open

and

honest

understand feeling

and

decision.

what what

with you led

them think you

so

or to

that

how

they

you’re

making

this

This is probably the hardest part because it is never easy to have these “big talks”. Just keep in mind they have your best interests at heart and just want to make sure you’re doing the right thing. When

you

are

certain

that

you

want to change your course it's a good idea to consult some people in the direction you plan to head.

Most

lecturers

are

really

friendly

and

will

always be keen to talk to you and answer any questions

you

might

have.

Other

students

studying the course can also be a valuable source

of

information.

Gather

as

much

information as possible so that you can make an informed decision.

Once

you’ve

spoken

with

your

parents/guardian and have identified a new course more suited for you, you can move on towards

the

more

technical

side

of

the

process (and the easy part): the university.

The

first

thing

you

can

do

is

call

the

Stellenbosch Client Services Centre (021 808 911). They should be able to help you and put you

in

contact

with

the

relevant

faculty

administrator. They will also be able to make a booking for you so that you can go see someone in person about changing courses.

However, the best option is to get in contact with

your

current

faculty

administrator

and

ask them to help you change courses. (You can find the contact details of the different faculty

administrators

on

the

SU

website.)

You can email them to make a booking to see them

in

person,

or

you

can

do

everything

online (via email) due to Covid-19. The faculty administrator will then check if you meet the necessary requirements to move to your new course

and

they

will

also

see

available space in the course.

if

there

is

Life is short so don't waste it on something you hate. If you don't like it now, you probably won't like it in the future either. In the end, what makes you happy is what is important. So be brave and go for it!

THE BECOMING

resources for self growth Karmen Wiid

Podcasts: The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial On Purpose with Jay Shetty The Bossbabe Podcast Design Your Dream Life with Natalie Bacon CEO School

Instagram Pages: @bossbabe @morganharpernichols @nytimes @melrobbins @steven @nowfuture

Books: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert Emotional Intelligence - Daniel Goleman The 5 AM Club - Robin Sharma Unbound: A Woman's Guide to Power - Kasia Urbaniak

Blogs: The Positivity Blog Marc and Angel Hack Life Zen Habits MindBodyGreen Michael Hyatt The Happiness Project

entertainment with depth Ané Havenga

Lana del Rey casually sums up

and

the

others

recent

lockdown

following

line

–

with

“I’ve

the

been

draw

up

out

them

in.

borders

instead

Nerina,

to

of

lets

keep

inviting make

it

wearing the same damn clothes

each of our own duties to make

for three damn days.” Especially

sure

since we are all bound to our

tomorrow

desks

and

move

around us.

Nerina

with

the

door

too

just

a

around

outside far

in

we

create for

us

a

and

better

the

ones

world

away,

this

Shawshank

Redemption

has

new “hybrid” way of learning still

been on my movie list for quite

actually means you are stuck in

some time and I recently got the

front of your computer. But that

opportunity to watch it. The story

is not all Lana is saying. In "Not

takes

all

absolutely

who

wander

explains

that

wander

are

lost",

“not

are

prison

baffled

what

is

my

going

and

it

mind

on

to

inside

wanderlust.” So, I want to take

an innocent prisoner. The way he

you

dealt with the situation left me

journey

between

movies,

Instagram

pages

is

see

a

those four walls. We meet Andy,

a

it

she who

in

just

on

lost

all

place

lets

wander

books that

and

gives

us

all some newfound purpose.

in

tears.

If

experience cinemas,

you

want

Ubuntu

this

is

to

in

the

the

movie

to

watch.

Some honorable movie mentions would

be

Dragon

Raya and

Redemption. movie,

and

Last

Shawshank

Disney’s

Raya,

absolute

The

is

latest

true

Disney

to

its

best.

I

One of my favourite lyrics is “talk to

me

in

songs

and

poems.”

Nerina, the books I want to share with you are unbelievable poetry books

that

will

surely

make

thoroughly enjoyed the fact that

travelling through university a lot

she

more enjoyable. The first poetry

classifies

princess,

but

as

the

a

Disney

badass

type

book is Prince Neptune by Cody

that we all want to be. We learn

Simpson.

more

singer, songwriter, swimmer and

about

the

Asian

and its rich history.

culture

that was quite interesting about

writing

the movie was that Disney did

aesthetics and the ocean. Lastly,

not try to hide all the wrongs in

Violet Bent Backwards over the

society. Usually in Disney movies

Grass

there

which

poetry book will make you think

teaches young and old a lesson.

about life, all images and words

The

beautifully

by

Lana

del

with

Rey.

This

however

are very relatable which makes the experience quite special. Fill

to you in the first few minutes –

your life with some wanderlust.

should

wonderful

here

combined

was that Disney gives it straight

earth

difference

storyline

throb

born

overall

a

heart

Australian

thing

is

The

This

have place

been

a but

unfortunately people are selfish

Nerina Entrepreneurs Elani Smith

CREATIVITY, BUSINESS, FASHION. IS THERE A BETTER COMBINATION?

In Nerina, we have several business women among us. They use their talents and hobbies to let their creative minds take a break from academics now and then. Two of these Nerinas are Jani Badenhorst and Gemma Crafford. Both of them used their love for fashion and entrepreneurship to start successful second-hand clothing brands.

@thrift_hiddengem

Hiddengem very

actually

trivial.

their

My

closets

started

family

out

as

would

once

a

something

always

year

and

clear then

I

I

love

will

clothes

just

would

always

and

hopefully

thrifting,

but

it

something thrift

a a

always money

think

so

shop

having start

I

the

similar by

love

to

having

selling

these

for

thrifting

business.

My

encouraged and

I

combination

wanted

clothes

made

to do

doing

Instagram

me

parents

us to

an

of

and

want

have

make that,

our

but

to

is

studying.

the

own

is so exciting.

also

day

of

be

my

I

industry part

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able

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to

that

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of

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interest do

and

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doing

has

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of

business

definitely

and

being

a

open

Fashion

outlet

also

to

difficult

However,

creative idea

one

goal.

fashion

want

quite

long-term a

the

want

obviously

would sell those clothes. I have always loved so

and

as

been

mine

for

a

a

and

living

do

something I love.

@remodel_secondhandclothing

Remodel fast

is

my

fashion

impact business people

that to to

attempt

and

the

comes get

feel

a

to

help

negative with big

down

environmental

it.

I

enough

comfortable

their clothing and

slow

with

want name

the for

donating

knowing would with

that

like

hope

it

industry.

will

people

buying

definitely I

it

see

end to

up

get

in

good

more

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as

a

clothing.

long-term

awareness

I

comfortable

second-hand

creates

hands.

initiative

in

the

I and

fashion

nothing, also everything Karmen Wiid

During Welcoming, something happened that deeply

What makes this story even better, is that it turns out

touched me. I walked into Jess's room and saw a small

her brother was the one who wrote the quote on the

black board on her desk. In chalk on the board stood a

board. It wasn't written by a famous poet, but by him.

quote that I thought must have been written by a

He only wrote it to annoy Jess, because he thought

famous poet, just because it was so beautiful and

that it didn't make sense at all. Little did he know how

revolutionary for me. The words were: "nothing, also,

deeply it would touch me.

everything"

My wish for you this year is that you embrace the Plain. Simple. Mind-blowing. You might be wondering

"nothingness." There will be moments in between your

why I find this so beautiful, so let me explain - last year

busy schedule that you can slow down and take a

really made me aware of the small pleasures in life, like a

breath. Don't forget to experience these as well.

sunset with friends, slivers of steam rising from warm cups of coffee or tea, serene pink clouds and hands joined over a dinner table. These soft, inspiring moments may

seem

like

"nothing,"

but

really,

they

are

"everything." Our lives aren't made up of huge decisions and life-altering events - yes, they are part of it, but truly life is a series of small insignificant moments and it is when you learn to appreciate this lovely "nothingness" that you develop a love of life.

In the end, we can't always choose the phase of life we're in, but we can choose what we make of it. So, make it everything!

you won't be distracted

by comparison

if you are captivated

by purpose