A True Survivor
The inspiring story of Jessica Stuart-Clark, first year Rhodes University Student.
By Irene Boshoff
By Irene Boshoff
A true hero as Propp would define Jessica Stuart-Clark in any form of narrative. Bright pictures of friends, family and artworks camouflage her room walls. Seated on her bed beneath a green, yellow, red and purple monster face duvet, Jessica comes to life.
Jessica was born in Johannesburg and raised in Cape Town from the age of seven. Throughout her life she has always been taught by her parents to be confident, independent and sure of herself. These strong characteristics start to reveal themselves as the conversation with Jessica continues. During her final years at St. Cyprian’s High School for girls, she succeeded in obtaining a scholarship to study at Rhodes University through the de Beer’s English Olympiad. A first year student at Rhodes University is where she finds herself today.
At present Jessica is still constantly reminded of the horrors and difficulties she had to encounter as a teen: "I have been through a lot in my life thus far, awful things which are too personal to mention. I do believe though, that through these difficult times and through the traumatic experiences I have become a stronger person. I also believe that dealing with all of it has made me the person I am today," explains Jessica rather abruptly.
Coming to Rhodes University Jessica thought she could escape the ongoing reminders that bring with them large amounts of sadness. However, this was not to be the case. "When arriving at Rhodes I thought I would be free. I moved into Oriel House Annex and shared a room with a girl, Caitlin Anderson, who was soon to become my best friend and role model," says Jessica softly almost as if saddened. The unhappy tone of her voice is understood as she continues: "six months later Caitlin left." Jessica was forced to deal with distressing events which occurred early on in the year on her own. The happenings of the first and second term involved another of Jessica’s friends. She puts the events in plain hart broken words: "One of my closest friends tried to commit suicide which was incredibly difficult for me to deal with. But just like the high school experiences it has now only made me stronger."
Through her knowledge Jessica wishes for every first year student to learn something very important in university life: "Everyone gets so caught up in the ‘safe’ Rhodes bubble that they forget real life still continues and bad things still happen." She wants everyone to be prepared for what may or may not happen, so that no one is caught off guard.
Today Jessica Stuart-Clark is seen as Oriel House’s heroin. This is because many of the Oriel girls know about Jessica’s past experiences and what she deals with on a daily basis. Yet, she is always prancing around the residence with a smile on her face and kind words for everyone. Nerusha Appalraju, close friend of Jessica shares her feelings by saying: "She is definitely my hero, no matter what this Propp person defines a hero as!"
Jessica was born in Johannesburg and raised in Cape Town from the age of seven. Throughout her life she has always been taught by her parents to be confident, independent and sure of herself. These strong characteristics start to reveal themselves as the conversation with Jessica continues. During her final years at St. Cyprian’s High School for girls, she succeeded in obtaining a scholarship to study at Rhodes University through the de Beer’s English Olympiad. A first year student at Rhodes University is where she finds herself today.
At present Jessica is still constantly reminded of the horrors and difficulties she had to encounter as a teen: "I have been through a lot in my life thus far, awful things which are too personal to mention. I do believe though, that through these difficult times and through the traumatic experiences I have become a stronger person. I also believe that dealing with all of it has made me the person I am today," explains Jessica rather abruptly.
Coming to Rhodes University Jessica thought she could escape the ongoing reminders that bring with them large amounts of sadness. However, this was not to be the case. "When arriving at Rhodes I thought I would be free. I moved into Oriel House Annex and shared a room with a girl, Caitlin Anderson, who was soon to become my best friend and role model," says Jessica softly almost as if saddened. The unhappy tone of her voice is understood as she continues: "six months later Caitlin left." Jessica was forced to deal with distressing events which occurred early on in the year on her own. The happenings of the first and second term involved another of Jessica’s friends. She puts the events in plain hart broken words: "One of my closest friends tried to commit suicide which was incredibly difficult for me to deal with. But just like the high school experiences it has now only made me stronger."
Through her knowledge Jessica wishes for every first year student to learn something very important in university life: "Everyone gets so caught up in the ‘safe’ Rhodes bubble that they forget real life still continues and bad things still happen." She wants everyone to be prepared for what may or may not happen, so that no one is caught off guard.
Today Jessica Stuart-Clark is seen as Oriel House’s heroin. This is because many of the Oriel girls know about Jessica’s past experiences and what she deals with on a daily basis. Yet, she is always prancing around the residence with a smile on her face and kind words for everyone. Nerusha Appalraju, close friend of Jessica shares her feelings by saying: "She is definitely my hero, no matter what this Propp person defines a hero as!"
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=595350230
0 comments:
Post a Comment