🎉UJ@20: From Lecture Halls to Life Lessons🧡

If universities were people, the University of Johannesburg would be entering the glorious “know-who-I-am” stage of life. UJ turns 20 years old this year, and honestly, she’s ageing like fine wine, and still as fresh as a first-year student on registration day. As someone who has walked these corridors since day one of undergrad, I can confidently say that UJ hasn’t just been more than just my university, it’s been a life changing, confidence-boosting, community-rooted life experience.

 

From “Just a Student” to “Student Leader”

When I started at UJ as a Public Relations and Communications student, I was just a girl trying to find my way around lecture halls, Moodle, and group projects with too much drama and not enough dedication. Fast forward to today, and I am pleased to announce that I’ve held the role of Class Representative for three consecutive years (Yes, I am aware of the overachiever vibes 😎).  From pushing for assignment extensions to helping my peers navigate course confusion, this role taught me leadership, patience, and how to write emails that sound firm yet friendly.

In second year, I put the stove on 6 and became a peer mentor, guiding first-years as they found their feet in a new academic environment. It wasn't always simple to balance my studies and help others, but what was the reward? Watching my mentees succeed and knowing I played a part in their journey. I was in my “Proud Mama Bear” era.

 

PR Dreams and Real-Life Scenes

I got more from UJ than just textbooks and exams. It gave me opportunities, such as stepping into the actual world of Public Relations at Magna Carta, a top-tier reputation management agency. Visiting Magna Carta in my second year was like seeing my PR dreams come true. I saw professionals in action, networked with communication experts, and understood the unseen work that builds and protects brands. You can read more about Magna Carta here if you're interested.

That day, I didn’t just wear my UJ shirt with pride, I wore it with purpose.

 

Personal Growth, Powered by Orange

In addition to the academic and professional wins, UJ has helped me in my personal growth. Late nights and early morning deadlines have taught me resilience. Whether in class discussions, student forums, or while mentoring others, I’ve found my voice. I’ve built a network of friends, lecturers, and future colleagues that have influenced how I think, speak, and dream.

It’s not just what I’ve learned in class, but what UJ has taught me about life in general. That success isn’t just about grades. It all comes down to consistency, curiosity, and character.

 

UJ in the Community: More Than a Campus

UJ is not just for students, it serves society as a whole. UJ shows social impact through its research that addresses real-world issues, community outreach programs, or platforms that give voice to young people, UJ walks the talk of social impact.

In a country still healing and developing, universities like UJ have a role to play in economic empowerment, social justice, and transformation. And 20 years in, UJ is only getting started.

 

UJ@20: Looking Ahead with Hope (and a Splash of Orange)

As we celebrate UJ@20, I look back with pride and forward with excitement. I hope to see UJ continue improving, more digital learning, more internships, more industry partnerships, and more support for student's well being. In addition, I dream of a future where student leaders and mentors like me get even more recognition and tools to succeed in the real world.

And maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll return not as a student, but as a guest lecturer or a proud UJ alumni giving back to the institution that gave me so much.

 

Final Thought:

Twenty years of excellence, growth, and transformation. UJ isn’t just a university, it’s a starting point and for me, it’s been a place I can call home. So, here’s to the Orange Army, the late-night study sessions, the group projects that tested our sanity, and the moments that made it all worthwhile.

Happy Birthday, UJ. You don’t look a day over fabulous. 🧡