From Confusion to Purpose: My UJ Journey@20

Reflecting on my transformative journey at the University of Johannesburg as it celebrates 20 years of shaping lives, building future and empowering communities. My UJ story is one of growth, purpose, and hope. Here’s how the University of Johannesburg changed my life. 

I did not just study at UJ, I grew, struggled and rose and in all I found is something greater: me.

A first year- year of fear

In 2024, I arrived at the Auckland Park Bunting Campus with a heart full of hope and my head full of doubts and confusion. I was worried about fitting in, finding lecture venues because I did not attend First Year Experience and passing my modules in Public Relations. I had no idea how to use a student portal, no friends, and no clue how to do things online. Everything felt different, the platforms, the people, and the pressure.

But as the months went by UJ became more than a campus, it became my new home. I learned how to use my student portal, how to do things online and how time management is important. Looking back now, during UJ’s 20-year celebration, I can say with pride that this place helped me transform confusion into purpose.

Learning Beyond Lecture Halls

My first academic year did not start with flying colors. I struggled with Moodle, misread deadlines, and had to learn fast how university life works. I still remember my first online quiz at UJ. It had a 30-minute time limit, but I didn’t know that the time was for me to finish the quiz. I paused halfway to finish cooking, thinking I could return later. When I came back, the quiz had closed, and I failed. But what stood out more than submission dates was a deeper realisation: it is not just about completing assignments, it is about making acting and making impact. That mindset shift changed everything for me. Lectures like Dr Neil Levy and Prof. Corne Davis  inspired me to think critically and speak boldly. The Faculty of Humanities did not just teach me theory; it taught me how to build message that matters.

Finding My Place Through Community Engagement

What makes UJ special is not what just happens in the lecture halls. It is what happens in the communities. One of the best decisions I ever made was joining UJ Community Engagement. It gave me something I did not expect: a sense of belonging. I volunteered in various small community projects, sometimes only part-time, but every effort reminded me that learning at UJ was not just for my benefit. We are taught to grow, so that we can grow others too. Even now, I’m still part of the community engagement team, and I plan to continue.

Hope in Orange color

Orange means fire, energy, and boldness to stand out. To me, UJ is not just a university. It is a symbol of hope and excellence. It gave me the space to make mistakes, the chance to grow through them, and the inspiration to keep pushing forward. I found my voice. And more importantly, I found purpose. As a student in Strategic Communication Department, I have learned that words matter, but action matters more. And UJ taught me to live that lesson.

What I Hope for UJ’s Next 20 Years

As UJ looks forward to the future my hope is that it keeps the doors open to students from every background, especially those who are like me, start unsure and overwhelmed. I hope it continues to be hope of African excellence and keeping education more accessible for all students. May UJ continue to shine as a place where diversity is embraced, opportunity is equal, and growth is purpose. I hope that the future students will also find what I found: Purpose, Pride and Place to grow.