Best Experience at the University of Johannesburg

UJ@20

For the past twenty years, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been playing a crucial role in higher education, impacting students across the continent through its commitment to innovation, research, and academic excellence. For me, joining UJ in 2023 marked the beginning of a journey that has reformed my confidence, skills, and perspective on life.

1. A Journey of Personal Growth 

I am currently studying Public Relations and Communication Management, doing my second year. It is a privilege for me to be part of one of the best universities in Africa and celebrate its 20^th anniversary. University of Johannesburg means a lot to me as it has really changed my life in a way that I never imagined. In 2023, I came to UJ as an insecure person who was afraid to interact with other students. I lacked confidence, and I was intimidated by the idea of speaking up or reaching out for help. I never thought I would survive my first year.

But UJ’s welcoming and friendly environment made things easier for me, as I was able to form friendships with students from diverse backgrounds like mine, which allowed me to grow my confidence and communication skills. This has helped me to be courageous in expressing my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I am really grateful for what UJ has done for me, as it has unleashed the best version of myself.

 

2. Academic Empowerment

Academically, UJ provided the foundation I needed to thrive. when I first came to UJ, I had no idea where I was supposed to go and what I was supposed to do on campus, but due to the First Year Experience program (FYE) that UJ provides for first-year students. I quickly learned how the environment works, and I learned computer skills, which helped me a lot in writing my assignments and submitting them on time. UJ provided us with an online course called Financial Literacy, which helped me a lot with managing my finances as a first-year student.

I thought that university coursework would be very challenging for me, but because of how dedicated the lecturers are in ensuring that we get quality education, lecture classes, and provision of comprehensive study materials, I excelled, earning two distinctions out of five modules I studied and maintaining a 70% average throughout the year. That academic achievement boosted my self-belief to continue working hard on my studies.

3. Giving Back Through Community Engagement

UJ’s commitment to humanity extends beyond the classroom. I was fortunate to participate in several Community Engagement initiatives, such as conducting tutoring programs where students volunteer to help primary and high school kids with their schoolwork. It also donates food and clothes to the underprivileged communities. The students also get an opportunity to attend the events taking place on campus and off campus, and participate in them as well. It is a privilege for me to be part of the students who got the opportunity to volunteer in various activities in showing love, compassion, and empathy to the community.

4. Social Development Through Research

The University of Johannesburg is not only a space for learning, but also for impactful research through the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA). The university is mainly focused on comprehending the complex social issues in Africa and the Global South. The program aims to equip Africans with knowledge in using evidence to make informed decisions through policies, strategies, plans, interventions, and their implementation.

UJ also focuses on the welfare and social development, where it examines how forms of inequality like age, gender, disability, and socio-economy determine the lifestyle choices of the individuals in a society. I think this research helps us to understand how inequalities impact people, and it challenges us not to judge people and to treat them equally.

5. Looking ahead to UJ's Role in the Future

The impact that UJ had on me, students, and society at large gives me hope that in the future it will make a huge impact on society through its commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and community engagement.  I hope it will keep producing students who are not only full of knowledge but also socially conscious and community-driven.

Final Thoughts

The University of Johannesburg has truly unleashed the best version of myself, and I believe that my journey so far is a testament to the life-changing power of education in the right environment at UJ. I am very proud to be a part of UJ’s legacy.