Celebrating 20 years of excellence ; My Journey As UJ Student

 This year, UJ marks a significant milestone of celebrating 20 years of academic excellence, transformation, and innovation. Since it was established in 2005, UJ has grown into one of South Africa's leading institutions in shaping the future of thousands of students and making a lasting impact on communities .

INTRODUCTION 

My name is Nomvuyo Buthelezi, a second-year PR student at UJ. To me, this is more than an academic institution; it's a place that nurtured my goals, sharpened my skills, and built my future career. This celebration is not only a recognition of UJ's achievements over the past year, but it has also served as a meaningful reminder of the opportunities that it has created for young people in South Africa and internationally. UJ does not only prepare me for the PR industry, but it offers beyond the academic learning. It has instilled in me the values of leadership , resilience, and ethical communication. UJ plays a vital role in shaping the person that I am today . 

My personal journey: growth and challenges 

My first day at UJ was both exciting and overwhelming. Like many other students , I had difficulty balancing academic and personal responsibilities and social life. Changing from high school life to independent learning was challenging for me; it required me to learn to adapt quickly to the new environment. Adjusting to the demands of university life makes me realize that it's more than the academic effort; it also requires you to have a shift in mindset, meaning you commit yourself and have discipline. I learned to take full responsibility for my life, which helped me to develop time management skills and be able to embrace new opportunities. UJ has exposed me to different perspectives, and it plays an important role in my personal growth. The diversity at UJ also helps me to become more open-minded. Being surrounded by the diverse students from different backgrounds and hearing their perspectives has strengthened my skill of being a good communicator. As I continue with my studies, I appreciate the personal growth that has come during this journey

 My academic turning point 

A defining moment of my academic journey happened when I found it increasingly hard to keep up with university demand. I  was under constant pressure to complete multiple assignments while preparing for tests, and trying to manage them all became overwhelming. One of the tasks that was difficult for me was writing the academic essay. At that time I was doing my first year. I have no clue what an academic essay is and how to write it; everything was frustrating. The academic essay comes up with detailed research and requires proper referencing. That was a completely difficult time. As deadlines piled up, I began to feel stressed and unsure of how to manage everything. That challenging period pushed me to reassess how I approach my studies. I started using the academic support services that are provided by the institution. I seek clarity and assistance from the tutors, and I even book a consultation at the writing center. They provide me with the clarity and give some tips on how to reference properly. I started to break big assignments into smaller tasks and followed a more organized study plan. These help me feel more in control and reduce my stress. Most importantly, they strengthened my confidence and taught me how to handle academic pressure more effectively .

Empowering communities through education: Uj's commitment to social impact. 

The University of Johannesburg plays an important role in supporting and uplifting communities through its various community engagement initiatives. By supporting the small organizations that make a huge difference in the community, such as the Boys and Girls Club of South Africa and many other organizations, their aim is to uplift and empower young people. This collaboration allows the university to extend its impacts beyond the academic space by offering resources , mentorship, and student participation in real-world projects. UJ 's approach to community involvement is to teach students the importance of social responsibility and encourage them to apply their academic knowledge to solve practical problems. Through outreach programs, sustainability campaigns, and educational support initiatives, UJ demonstrates that universities have a role in shaping a better , more inclusive society. For students taking part in these efforts building empathy, leadershipand a deeper understanding of these needs of the community around them .

More than just the celebration: How UJ Inspire Student Excellence

UJ hosts various on-campus events that contribute to students' growth and professional development. These events include career expos and networking opportunities. That allows us to connect with the professional and industry experts. Their aim is to allow students to learn  the workplace knowledge and develop the workplace skills. For example, for the public relations students, these events are important because they provide us with insight into the real-world application of the field. Attending guest lectures helps us understand how communication strategies are used in industries, while participating in student-led campaigns and campus events helps sharpen our practical skills in organizing and public speaking. This event doesn't just add to our academic knowledge, but it also gives us tools to grow professionally, build networks, and understand workplace expectations.

The future of UJ in the next coming years .

Looking to the future, I hope the University of Johannesburg continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the leading institutions in the ranking of the institution internationally. I would like to see UJ deepen its partnership with the international universities and industry leadership, creating exchange programs and collaborative research projects that broaden students' horizons and academic excellence. I wish to see the UJ reach another two decades and also maintain its good image that it is known for .

CONCLUSION

As I look back on my journey at the University of Johannesburg, my heart is filled up with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped me into the person that I am today. UJ's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility has not only equipped me with knowledge and skills to succeed but also taught me a sense of purpose and passion for making a positive impact. As a proud member of the UJ community , I'm willing to apply my knowledge and values' I've gained to drive positive change and contribute to a better future .