Archive for the ‘Just trendi’ Category
Benefits of Volunteering
Posted byAfter my matric, I spend my holidays volunteering at LOFOB – Legal Friends of the Blind – in Grassy Park Cape Town. It has truly opened my eyes to see the different benefits and reasons why one should volunteer.
Here are a few benefits of volunteering:
1. Adds to your CV and school applications
Being able to say you’ve volunteered, makes your CV much more colourful. It also shows your future employers that you are not lazy and willing to work.
2. Increases confidence and experience
Being able to say that you’ve volunteered can increase your confidence level, because you’ve done something constructive and worthwhile with your time.
3. Broadens your view of life
When you’ve volunteered at places you’ve never been to, it can open an entire new window to a new setting, seeing how others live and going behind scenes.
4. A way to meet new friends and connect with different people
Volunteering lets you meet new people that you’ve never thought of meeting. You might even meet friends that can last a lifetime. Memories are created when you start volunteering.
5. It’s your choice
The best part about volunteering is that you get to decide where you’d like to volunteer. It is a place of your choice, and you can base it on your interests and on what you would like to learn. However, it can be good to place yourself out of your comfort zone and volunteer somewhere new.
Now that we have an idea of some of the benefits of volunteering (and trust me, there are plenty) now let’s take a brief look at just some of the few places one can volunteer at.
Here are a few ideas of places to volunteer:
• SPCA
This is short for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. If you love animals, then the SPCA is a good place to volunteer your time. It will brighten up your day and you will learn so much more about taking care of animals.
• LOFOB
Lofob is short for the Legal Friends of the Blind. It is a school and home for the blind. People of all ages and genders, volunteering at LOFOB will touch your heart to see that we are so privileged to be able to see when others don’t have that privilege.
• Museums/Aquariums
Museums often need help, and you can learn a lot from them. In Cape Town there is also the aquarium, where you can be trained to give tours. It is a great learning experience and will certainly broaden your horizons.
• Local Library
If you love books, the library is great for you. Most libraries will be willing to take on a helping hand. You have the chance to read so many more books and also to discover books you didn’t know about. If you’re into admin work, this is also a good place to start.
There are many more places to volunteer. Go online and research places in your city or area that are suitable for you. Always remember that volunteering doesn’t only benefit your CV but it benefits your well-being, knowing that you made a difference to someone else is very rewarding.
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Tell us: Have you volunteered before and where have you volunteered?
Viva class of 2017, Viva!
Posted byWell folks, it’s that time of the year again: matriculants who completed their final examination period of high school during October/November of 2017 will be receiving their results, finding out whether they have passed matric or not.
This is a stressful time in any young person’s life as they and their parents anxiously wait to see their names in the newspaper, with a ‘Bachelor’s pass’ (passing all subjects with at least 50% and above) in order to be able to study further, whether at a college or university.
I am here to tell you that it’s okay to be nervous, whether or not you did well the rest of the year. I remember after completing my final exams, I found it extremely hard to sleep at night and would wander around the house aimlessly, thinking of ways I could escape to Japan or Ethiopia, in case I didn’t make it. I was terrified. I kept going over every exam paper in my head, thinking of areas I may have lost marks; I did not enjoy my holiday at all.
The truth is, guys, what you put in is usually what you get out. If you worked hard throughout the year and put your studies first, you’d know that you passed, the only question being how well the pass was. If you worked well and consistently and still struggled academically, please remember not to lose hope. Once the marks are released, you will know what steps to take to ensure a good future (whether you passed or failed matric).
Do not let anyone tell you that failing matric will mean that you won’t be a success in life. There are examples of successful people who didn’t finish school, but were realistic and persevering about their goals – they didn’t give up, but found other paths to their dreams. You just have to work out what is right for you.
But if you decide you do need that matric, but you failed one or two subjects, you can write a supplementary exam in February/March in order to improve your grade. If you did, however, fail more than two subjects, you would either be writing those subjects over in June, or during the November examination period.
Never be ashamed of trying again. I know many people who passed matric, but decided to rewrite a few subjects, or simply registered to repeat the entire year of grade 12 because they didn’t get the marks they needed to enter certain fields of study.
Life is not a race, do what is best for you. Stick your pride in your pocket and go for extra lessons to prepare for your exams if you decide to rewrite any subjects.
I remember passing all of my subjects well in matric and even got a few distinctions, but only managed to obtain a 25% for Mathematics. Since I wanted to be doctor, I knew that my other grades would not matter if I failed Math. I then decided to take a gap year and focus on volunteering at hospitals, whilst simultaneously preparing to rewrite my Math exam.
However, after passing Math with 35% after my THIRD try at rewriting (I rewrote in February, June and November of that year, I was a die-hard, guys) and nearly fainting as I witnessed a womb-scrape and enema (medical procedures) at Victoria Hospital, I quickly realised that I would never become a doctor, not a medical one at least. It was really hard for me to realise that Medicine was not the career path that I was meant to go into, but I was glad that I discovered it before beginning any further studies.
Life is full of lessons and bumps, do not be discouraged by not reaching your goals within a certain time period, if you didn’t do well or ended up failing, simply dust yourself off and try again, or explore a new path that suits you better. If you find that you passed well, my congratulations are upon you and your family, because it takes a village to raise a child.
I wish all the matriculants well and pray for their happiness, posterity and success in 2018 – whatever you choose to do. Good luck and God bless!
Graduating from CPUT
Posted byIt’s official: I am a qualified Journalist from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology!
As I had mentioned in a previous blog about saying goodbye to CPUT, starting a new chapter in my life and ending an old one has definitely been far from smooth sailing. The three-year journey I undertook was one that required a lot of patience, endurance and, most importantly, a very thick skin.
I initially thought that I would be graduating in April next year, as both Ndibs and Veronica (both friendly colleagues of mine here at FunDza) told me that graduations took place the following year, in either March or April. It was only after a friend of mine from Varsity sent me a message on Monday, the 11th of December, asking if I was ready for our graduation that would take place on THURSDAY, the 14th of December, that I found out about the all-too-sudden event. I was completely shocked and had to ask her numerous times if the information was true or if she was pranking me, I was in a state of complete panic.
As I sat in the office, red-faced with anxiety, tears were streaming down my face. “Why did I not get my graduation invitation? Maybe I failed,” I whimpered as Veronica comforted me and took control of the situation.
It turns out that our graduation invitations were sent via a link on the CPUT site with no notifications sent, and also had to be downloaded as a pdf. It was ridiculous that I could have missed my graduation because of a simple glitch in the system.
I literally had three days to plan my outfit, organise who would be doing my hair and makeup and buy my gown and sash, all expenses I had not budgeted for. I was beyond strained at this point, and even considered not attending my graduation at all, and simply fetching my qualification the following year.
On the day, I was running around, trying to fix my make-up after a friend had made me look like a clown with thick, black eyebrows and pale skin. I ended up getting dressed in the car, legs moving this way and that as I struggled to put on my dress and pin my hijab in the bumpy car ride to Bellville. When I got out of the car, I didn’t even notice that half my dress was inside my underwear. So there I was, flashing my backside, running into a filled auditorium, gown in hand. Luckily a friend was there to pull my dress down, but not before a few keen eyes gazed at my exposed self.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I ended up attending my graduation with a beautiful grey dress and hijab. I was proud to be posing with my parents with all my distinctions for which I worked extremely hard.
I am glad to have ended my journey at CPUT, where I learnt so much. The future beckons!
Do you guys look forward to studying in future? Is tertiary education really necessary for success?
This blog was written by FunDza’s intern feature writer, Kauthar Gool, read more of her blogs, short stories and Inspiring Tomorrow articles here.
Meaningful gifts of goodwill
Posted byAs we’re gearing up to Christmas day, many of us are consumed with buying presents, groceries, Christmas outfits, and reaching our holiday destinations to spend Xmas day with our loved ones.
In all the hustle and bustle that comes with the festive season, we often forget that Christmas is about focusing on other people, and giving and sharing. Showing your appreciation to those who made the year worthwhile doesn’t always involve money.
Ever heard the saying, “You can do more with less”? That’s a good motto to have as we near the end of this year and the start of the new one. There are plenty of meaningful things you can do and give to show your loved ones how grateful you are for everything they’ve done for you this year.
Here are my tips:
Write a ‘thank you note’ – Think about the nicest thing that anyone has done for you. The note will serve as a constant reminder of the good they’ve done for you which in turn will make them feel special.
Give more of your time to others – It’s easy to get lost in making sure that you’re having a blast, but this is also the one time in the year where depression rates spike up. Lend your ear to a friend, help out at home (even if it’s just doing the laundry), spend time with your siblings (or cousins if you’re an only child) and show your parents or guardians that although you’re a bit older now, you haven’t forgotten them. This is a very precious gift, give it wisely, and remember that it doesn’t cost you anything.
Give the gift of grace – For some, this year hasn’t been an easy one. There are people who probably rubbed you up the wrong way or have done you wrong in some way. Maybe you’re the one who was the one in the wrong. If there’s someone you need to forgive, or whom you need to ask forgiveness from, now would be the right time. The year will be at an end soon; it’s good to start the next one on a clean slate. Grace is that one gift you give to someone else that ends up being a gift to yourself.
Give your love – Everyone wants to feel loved and wanted this time of the year. No one wants to spend Christmas alone unless it’s by choice. Love is the universal gift. It fills you up with laughter, smiles and good times to last you right into the following year. Be loving this festive season to family, friends and strangers. Showing someone they matter easily makes their day.
In all of this giving don’t forget to give all of these gifts to yourself as well. You cannot give love if you do not love yourself, nor can you forgive if you don’t forgive yourself. Give yourself time to enjoy being you, and all the things that make you unique. Lastly, thank yourself for hanging in there, for persevering, for understanding, forgiving yourself as many breaks as you needed, and for carrying yourself through another year.
Merry Christmas to you each and all.
Fun things to do during the school holidays
Posted byThe Summer vacation is upon us and brings with it a time of renewal and change. It’s the perfect time for all you learners and students to stretch your legs and enjoy this all-too-short vacation period. Below I’ve highlighted a few of my favourite cost-effective, summer activities. Let the frizz loose, let the sun kiss your forehead and enjoy!
• Find a casual summer job
Now although this may seem like the OPPOSITE of fun, earning some extra cash to spend on yourself (or save) can teach you a lot about responsibility and spending your money wisely. You could work a few days a week, meaning that you’d be earning some money, while still having time to enjoy your holidays. There’s no shame in working for KFC, Debonairs or even Pep Stores. You can put the work experience on your CV, which will make it easier to find a permanent job later in life.
• Waterparks
From Muizenburg Water Slides, Water World and Milnerton Waterpark, to name a few, get out there and have some fun on the water. If you live in the Gauteng region, check out Wild Waters in Boksburg, Gold Reef City, Ellis Park Swimming Pool, Linden swimming pool and so many more.
• Visit the movies
If you’re not the out-doorsy type, pop over to the cinema with a few of your friends and have a ball with the latest and greatest that Hollywood has to over. With movies being half-priced on Tuesdays at Numetro, you have no excuse not to join the fun…remember: everyone sneaks munchies inside, so stuff your jackets with pride!
• Spend time at the park
Visiting the park with your friends or girlfriend whilst having a picnic can be a great way to connect with nature and feel like a kid again. Swing on the swings, slide that slide and just enjoy the whimsy and freedom of fresh air, friendly company and, most importantly, snacks! Venues like Wynberg Park or Tokai Forest are also great for braaing and spending time with the family, so eat, play and be merry.
• The beach is always a winner for me!
With Cape Town being a coastal city and its beautiful beaches being a big attraction for both tourists and jaded Capetonians alike, it’s no surprise that our shores will be filled to the brim with families, friends and lovers alike, all enjoying the scorching summer sun. This is, in my opinion, the most cost-effective and fun day out, that coupled with ice-cream and you’re good to go.
• Escape with a book
The joy of reading and trading someone else’s reality for your own and can be really soothing, especially if you’ve come out of a stressful exam period. Reading can be fun and should not only be associated with boring academics. This is also a great way to keep your brain active during your vacation. You can check out some of my favourite reads here. If you’re not really a fan of libraries and physical books, check out the fundza.mobi site and read the latest Fanz writing, blogs, articles, poetry and professional stories of various genres, there’s something for everyone.
Please be safe during the festive season and arrive alive!
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How will you be spending your summer vacation? Are there any fun activities I’ve left out?
For more thought provoking pieces read our Mindspace blogs.