Fresh P...

The average Rhodes student will leave home with anticipation to come to Grahamstown- a small isolated area with only clubs to entertain the youth and libraries to expand one’s knowledge. But for Phiwokazi Qoza, it was a different situation. Born in Umtata, 05-01-1991, this young girl attended Victoria girls high- a well known multi-racial school. Home for her is only 15 minutes away, so there is no major transformation for her. She is only 17years old but still surviving in her first year. As her eyes slowly rolled back, she explains how confused she was during her childhood, brought up by a single mother without access to money. According to her mindset, what she had was enough. Her lack that intrinsic mother/daughter bond put her through a lot emotionally but as time went by the love grew back. This intriguing lady is all about focusing on what she doesn’t have so that she can work on it and get it. One was particularly struck by the way her eyes glowed and her hands swayed when she spoke about fashion. “I love fashion”, she screamed; but not when people try too much. She believes that you have to be comfortable in the material you wear. Anything that fits as perfectly as a silhouette dress tickles her fancy. Bright colours tend to catch her eye and bring a smile to her face. Making friends in Rhodes was partially easy for her but her fear of messing up the friendships she worked hard on was a huge weight on her shoulders. One should view this girl as super hero Phiwo who stands firm on her ground as older students invade her Grahamstown territory. She gives them the death stare as they attempt to strip her of her innocence and youth. … She starts to smirk mildly as she talks about how she has her workload handled and that she sees herself with her B.A degree in 3 years time. In her flow of talking she adds on that her mother Nomonde is her role model because she is a survivor and a hustler. Silently she sighs and says that her alcohol consumption and smoke intake have increased since she moved to University. “But that is what University is about right, to get dressed, look good and go out with your friends” she says. The only thing that puts her mind at ease is listening to music after a long day of lectures and tutorials. The fact that she is close to home makes life way easier because home is less than a mile away. She has grown to be stronger than she was before and her passion for talking has formed a lot of connections amongst people. Her presence overwhelms people because she is such a happy soul roaming around vultures. Point remains that she is R.U fresh meat and we all know that it keeps people on there tipsy toes. Even though she is just another Rhodes student, her character as an individual makes a difference. By: Kganya Ramoshaba