My journey of growth, triumph and belonging at UJ's 20-year milestone.

 

 

We made it, but it wasn't easy.  The desire to attend the top university has finally materialised.  I went from being a girl from a Limpopo small hamlet to a city girl.  For me, the institution of Johannesburg is a triumph rather than merely an institution. It all started in February 2023 when I entered Auckland Park at the university of Johannesburg to finish my student card.  The overwhelming emotions of joy, excitement, and anxiety that surrounded that moment are beyond words, yet I wouldn't trade it for nothing.  I realised that I belonged here on that day.  I found my second home.  Despite the lack of direct global survey data on public opinion about universities being explicitly framed as "places of providing knowledge," I still see universities as places where people can learn new things, open doors, and strengthen their critical thinking skills, but most importantly, they are places where people can network and form social bonds.

Taking on my fears  

I can't even identify myself because of how much UJ has helped me grow.  Although we may give the impression that everything was simple, the journey was not.  Being terrified would be an understatement given that I had never used a computer in my life. I still recall going to the faculty orientation at (APK), where we were split up into groups based on our last names. I was sitting in a room full of strangers, staring straight at a large screen and a mouse in front of me. but decided to challenge myself to get to where I am now. achieving 95% at the end of the year after receiving 30% in EUC proved to me that I am capable. 

moving into the future with UJ's electric buses

The buses serve as a prime example of UJ's dedication to sustainable innovation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), establishing the university as a pioneer in the use of green technology in South Africa's higher education market. Compared to conventional diesel buses, the electric buses emit substantially fewer carbon emissions, which helps to clean the air and lower UJ's carbon footprint in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. Additionally, they run nearly silently, with the only noise coming from air conditioners, improving passenger or student comfort and lowering noise pollution. 

As part of its larger focus on the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), UJ was the first university in Africa to offer an artificial intelligence (AI) course. In keeping with its larger emphasis on the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), UJ made history by being the first university in Africa to offer a course on artificial intelligence (AI). This program demonstrated the school's commitment to giving students the tools they need to spur creativity and tackle societal issues. 

 

And 3 years in the university we are celebrating 20 years. witnessing your university's 20th anniversary (@uj 20) is a stirring and motivating event.  Reflecting the combined accomplishments of students, faculty, and alumni, it represents twenty years of development, innovation, and change.  This milestone marks the University of Johannesburg's (UJ) transition from a historic merger to a leadership position in African higher education, particularly in areas such as societal impact, inclusion, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.  Celebrating 20 years connects current students and graduates to a tradition of quality and advancement, fostering a strong sense of pride and belonging. 

In what ways has your time at UJ influenced your development both academically and personally over the years?