Asanele Beje

From Uncertain to Unstoppable

Introduction

The University of Johannesburg is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of empowering students, breaking down boundaries, and leaving a legacy of quality. But below the rankings, milestones, and celebrations is something more personal the experiences of students whose lives have been shaped in these very halls. As UJ celebrate 20 years of excellent I find myself telling my story on how UJ has transformed me to be the person I am not just academically but into a version of myself.

 My Journey Through UJ’s Halls

Being the first child in my family to attend university was a significant achievement and I felt a great sense of pride .I assumed I had everything all out when I made it to the University of Johannesburg after I finished high school. I had high expectations because I had ambitious goals ,but I had no ideas how to get there . The campus seemed huge both physical and emotional. I felt overwhelmed and intimidated by how diverse and confident everyone seemed. Students from different provinces, cities, and even countries, each bringing their own language, culture, energy, and presence. It felt like they all knew who they were,  and I was quiet, unsure still trying to figure it all out.  

I had it difficult few months at UJ. Home was missed , I struggled with socialising , making friends , time management , constantly walking into the wrong lecture rooms . But somewhere in chaos, something beautiful happened .  I met people real ones . Friends who did not just help me study but encouraged me to keep going when I wanted to give up. As a University of Johannesburg student studying Public relations and Communication doing my second year, I have learned to value connections both within and outside of the classroom. These connections served as a foundation of my development and still influence who I am as a person and as a professional.

  

Learning Through Assistance : PsyCaD  and the Writing Centre

The Centre of Psychological Services and Career Development,  PsyCaD, stood out among the chaos of my academic life. It became a place for introspection, recovery, and clarity rather than simply  set appointments. Counselling sessions assisted in releasing the personal burden that was silently carried during each semester and  the academic stress. There, challenging ideas were expressed, insights were gained, and mental health was given a higher emphasis. 

The Writing Centre was just as transformative. What began as a basic attempt to improve an essay evolved into a journey of learning how to really communicate thoughts, arrange arguments, and gain academic writing confidence. The consultants did more than just improve language; they also led thought, shaped voice, and made writing feel less frightening and more empowering.

Growth Thorough Community Engagement

Books and lecture halls were not the primary sources of growth. It resulted from giving back.  Which included outreach activities, campus clean , tutoring schoolchildren , and soup kitchen. These activities provided me with an opportunity to meet with genuine people experiencing real difficulties. These were more than just "volunteer hours"; they were experiences that taught me patience, collaboration, and the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. Being away from the university setting taught me that learning can occur anywhere, especially when you're making a difference in someone else's life.

Failure Became Fuel

There is nothing quite like the shock of seeing your marks drop and wondering if the course and is right for you , your choices, even your capabilities. I realize that failing is just a phase. It teaches resilience. It teaches that even when confidence is shaken, it leads you to listen and reflect. It teaches that asking for help is not weakness but wisdom. I realize that UJ is not here to break but here to build you. Even when you flop, you rise. Without any prior experience, a lack of confidence, and a fear of public speaking so intense that it resembled stage fright in a seminar room, the journey started with uncertainty .

However, things changed sometime along the line. Presentations turned into chances. Leadership started to feel natural. A once-quiet voice became one that encourages others. This is what growth looks like from becoming lost, unsure overwhelmed  on university to discovering passion and purpose. It has been genuine; it has not been perfect. And there was something significant found in every error and every moment of uncertainty .

Conclusion

Twenty years at UJ signifies twenty years of change, not only for the school but also for students like me. It is the tale of discovering yourself in unexpected settings, such as lecture halls, unexpected chats that resulted in friendships, UJ serves as a platform for exploring your identity and potential, rather than just a place to get degrees. I am grateful to also share my story.