In the future, these will be the 'Good Ol' Days'

My last six weeks have been me trying to dig my way to surface after being buried by seventeen textbooks. It's been hellish, yet I'm actually enjoying my third year of university. I guess the content of our modules have become more centered around our majors; it feels like I'm finally studying with purpose.

I have, however, begun to hate the mundane feeling of routine. My life is basically: Pray, Eat, Campus, Study, Sleep. There seems to be no time for creative outlets like playing guitar, writing or even reading at leisure. 

2014 is the year of the 21sts - this is supposed to be the prime point of our lives, the times we'll tell our kids about, the "good ol' days" if you will. But right now, I feel like the only story I'll be able to tell my kids is that of early morning studying and Twitter-induced procrastination. And that is hardly the way I want to remember my 21st year.

Initially I thought it may have something to do with the fact that I'm studying in my hometown, staying under my mother's roof, living by her rules and not being allowed to drive her car. But living with my mom isn't like living in a jail - even though I'm the guinea pig in the house, she doesn't restrict me. The lack of a car is a huge bummer, but I have friends with cars and (legitly obtained) licenses. And, by the way, you don't have to live away from home to learn independence; yes, you can learn to look after yourself even if you stay at home. 

I then put it down to my degree itself - it is considered by most people to be boring. But I actually enjoy it, mostly because I find it a challenge and there's that sense of satisfaction that comes with knowing that you understand something you didn't easily understand before.

If I look back to my initial statement, however, I know what the answer is. I have an affinity for social media, particularly Twitter. The reason my workload is seemingly long is because I spend about three of the five hours of my tutorial time daydreaming and scrolling through Twitter. Or Facebook. Or MySpace (really, it's that bad). I pass my weekends like that and then wonder why I don't have time to do anything else.

The reason our parents and grandparents have interesting stories to tell us is because they spent their prime time living their lives instead of hiding behind technology. They have 'awww'-worthy tales about how they met their significant other, instead of the stalking tally that occurred before they befriended each other on Facebook . They have shenanigans to tell us about because they got out of the house instead of watching series all weekend.

I've contemplated deactivating Twitter - but cold-turkey tactics will drive me mad. Plus Twitter has a lot of perks and it's home to witty people. So I have decided to make a list of things I need to do everyday before I decide to visit Twitter or any other social network; not just because I like making lists, but because the reward system always works.

Well, let's hope it doesn't prove otherwise. Maybe then I'll have real stories to tell my grandchildren. And you.

"Oh, we'll remember this night when we're old and grey, coz in the future, these will be the 'Good ol' Days'." ~ The Script.

Things I wish I Truly Understood before Varsity

I wonder at which point during varsity the excitement and energy with which we enter first year fades to bitterness. Our first university exam? The first time we obtain marks lower than what we're used to? When you're so swamped with work that the thought of dropping out and getting married dares to cross you mind?

Due to the release of the matric results this week, most Twitter timelines were buzzing with anticipation. The first thought that crossed my mind when I opened Twitter was "Chill guys, A's mean nothing at varsity. Honestly, I'd take the stress of wanting to obtain an A over the stress of wanting to proceed into your next academic year of study. Because university is ten times worse". I then thought back to the night before my own results were released two years ago and realized that the only time I'd experienced more stress than that was the day of my driving test.

I literally had 45 minutes of sleep in 48 the hours between the day before results were released and D-day. And all I could think about was "WHAT IF I DONT GET ALL As. WHAT IF I DONT GET ALL As. WHAT IF MY As ARENT GOOD As". I refused to let anyone tell me my results - I wanted to find out by counting the brackets next to my name in the paper. I kept my mother up that night, driving out to the garages every two hours and repeated my doubt-filled mantra. Though, of course, we all have that university friend who brings you back to reality and tells you your marks when you least expect it. Although I don't often admit it, I'm glad he told me and put my out of my self-inflicted misery. I then zombie'd my way through the rest of the day, feeling more relieved than excited.

So there - all university students have been through the excitement and stress of final matric exams and receiving results (and receiving calls from aunties you have no memory of). And we also experienced the same disregard by university students during our finals period. I remember swearing that I'd never become one of those students who forgot the stress of matric.

Unfortunately, Class of 2013, you will, at some point, find yourselves disregarding future matriculants. University is exciting and liberating, but it also makes you view schools and education in a different light. In all honesty, school does not prepare you for change. The uniformity of school teaches you nothing about varsity, losing relationships or life in general. You think it's easy to maintain friendships with your school friends, but the truth is that unless you make an effort to remain in contact with them, you will slowly drift apart, simply because varsity allows you to grow and develop new interests and make your friends. The subjects you did in high school don't really prepare you adequately for university modules. You have to really put in the effort to stand out academically, because you're simply a student number to a lecturer. There will be times when you'll walk out your lectures more confused than when you entered because your lecturer's foreign accent is difficult to understand. There will be times when you will question your choice of degree, university and post-matric path in general.

BUT there are also a lot of wonderful things about university. You meet different people and you're at liberty to try out different things. You will learn to develop and voice your opinion. You will grow and, yes, you will change. You will learn to let go of insecurities and other things that hinder your growth as a person. You WILL probably go though some sort of existential crisis and question life. Albeit being just a number in the system, you will develop as an individual. Your academic focus will solely be on your chosen career path - no more Physics for Accounting students!

For now, just bask in the excitement of your results. You worked for it, so it's yours to rightfully enjoy. Take this level of energy and confidence with you into first year - not as arrogance, but as self-esteem and a will to push yourself so you're able to cope with the academic changes. Do yourself a favour and find out the stats for each year of study for your chosen degree - it's the only way you can truly determine its level of difficulty. Enjoy this long holiday. No seriously, university students get long holidays because we need it after a hectic semester. Don't wish your holidays away because you're bored - find something to do!

Shout out to my Alma Mater, Westville Girls' High School, for the excellent results! *inserts 62540792 tweets about WGHS here*