I made the right choice

Written , Family , Education , Mental Health , Absent father

I am a nineteen-year-old student at Monash South Africa doing my second year in Criminology and Public Relations. Like many young people out there, I chose my majors based on inspiration I found from TV programs like The Fixer and How To Get Away With Murder. I did not realise just what little job opportunities are available for criminologists in South Africa until after I made my decision. But even then, I believed that I had made the right choice because I wanted to make a difference in the criminal justice system of South Africa.

My stepfather abandoned me

I started my university journey in 2017 unaware that my life would take a drastic turn later that year, with the news of my parents’ divorce. My stepfather was basically the father I never had. He took care of me for almost ten years. But all of that changed when he told me that he would no longer be supporting me, because I am not his biological daughter. That may seem normal to some people, but it was a little different for me. My mom became a housewife the moment we moved in with my stepfather. Without his support, I would not be able to pay for my tuition.

Adulting hit me really hard

Additionally, I was hospitalised and for months after being out of the hospital, I had severe panic attacks induced by stress. So between worrying about my health and paying tuition, adulting hit me really hard.

But guess what? I made it to the next year. My older brother paid for my first semester, and though I could not afford res, I actually got my first job as a waitress. The waitressing gig allowed me to make enough to pay for fuel to get to school and work, and to also help out around the house. There is no greater feeling than knowing that you overcame something you thought would break you a couple of months ago.

Featured

Lance18

Mitchells Plain exposed me to gangsterism

Read more about Mitchells Plain exposed me to gangsterism

You may also like

KZN Bridge Feature Image

Effective community mediation begins with empathy

Nobody wins during community unrest. At our recent peace-building Bridge event with clerics in the KZN region, the sentiment was clear: we cannot stand by idly and let division and unrest unfold. We need more community mediators.

Read more about Effective community mediation begins with empathy
Jhb Peace building Bridge 5

Building peace is the work of the Church

"The Church needs to become mediators in the event of unrest. We need to represent to people what peace is. Churches should be a place of refuge to all, regardless of whether they are members or not.” – Rev. Samu Khanyile

Read more about Building peace is the work of the Church
Dr J at Rosebank Union 2
Bonolo Mokua

We need our elders' stories

When elders share their stories, it bridges generational gaps, fosters understanding, and creates a sense of continuity between the past, present and future.

Read more about We need our elders' stories
Foreign nationals living in Johannesburg talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home

Foreign nationals talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home

The Sister Mura Foundation is providing medical, financial, and emotional support while upskilling foreign nationals living with HIV/AIDS in SA.

Read more about Foreign nationals talk about their struggles in finding a home away from home
David Lau 2286 1

David’s love letter

His only connection to his birth mother is a letter, two pieces of gold jewellery, and a teddy bear. Now he wants to know more about the mother who gave him up for adoption as a baby.

Read more about David’s love letter
A dream deferred leads to a life of leadership and success

A dream deferred leads to a life of leadership and success

Olefile Masangane has achieved what he thought would be impossible.

Read more about A dream deferred leads to a life of leadership and success