Don't lose yourself in the city
Have you ever wondered why Windhoek does not have the “Welcome to Windhoek” sign? Well I think it is because you enter the city at your own risk.
For most outsiders, the city is alluring, the bright lights are enticing and the city life is bustling. Many people get lost in those “bright” lights and hectic lifestyle in the city. As many students are preparing themselves for the beginning of the academic year and coming to the city for the first time for some, please let me warn you about the life here. So you've passed your matric and congratulations! You now have to exchange the landscape of your small town for the horizon of the city of opportunities also called Windhoek.
Of course the city can look good to you, but for the purpose of this column, I will focus on only the negative lifestyle choices that city goers always fall prey to. I do not really know what it is about the city that makes people lose a sense of themselves. Maybe it is something in the water, maybe it is something in the air, but this city will definitely change you if you are not prepared for it. You travelled a few kilometres from your destination, but before you got on the bus your parents or guardians had a few things to say to you: “Study hard and make sure you are safe my child.” You should always remember those words - they are important.
Coming to the city of Windhoek can be very exciting. There are so many things to do and so many places you can go to. You can make as many friends as you wish and you can finally have the freedom to do whatever you want. If you are not too careful like many others before you, the city will literally put an end to all your dreams and hopes. I've once said, “once you taste city life, forget about the small town life.” Some of us who come to big towns like Windhoek usually lose our morals and aspirations.
The young, respectful and kind boys who grow up in small towns now become mean and sour towards others when they taste this city life. The cornrows-braided girl with the skirt now rocks Brazilian hair and a mini skirt. That is what the city does to you, it changes you. Surely, any other place you go to will have an effect on you but it does not have to be a bad one. Surviving the negative aspects of the city is based on a few choices you make for yourself. These include the friends you choose, your choices and lifestyle and your attitude. Choose your friends wisely, particularly if you are in university for the next four or so years who will be by your side. Make sure you choose friends that you are willing to grow with and friends who have the same interests as you. The same friend you “turn up” with should be the same friend you study with… it's that simple. Your lifestyle should also not change, it can be adapted to suit that of the city but you should always remain that small town humble person you used to be before you came to the city. Your attitude must be intact and should not be altered. Student life can be very daunting and challenging at times. The pressure of having to keep up with your study sometimes can be too much. Some people can't handle the pressure and resort to drinking and other destructive habits to cope with it. You should not have to resort to those measures too, that is why a positive outlook and attitude is important.
If and whenever you find yourself struggling in Windhoek, always remember these words and the words that your parents or guardians told you before you came to the city and live out every single word. Remember the purpose of your stay in Windhoek is to study and get that degree, commit yourself to that. Everything else should just wait.
Until next time. Peri nawa!
[email protected]
For most outsiders, the city is alluring, the bright lights are enticing and the city life is bustling. Many people get lost in those “bright” lights and hectic lifestyle in the city. As many students are preparing themselves for the beginning of the academic year and coming to the city for the first time for some, please let me warn you about the life here. So you've passed your matric and congratulations! You now have to exchange the landscape of your small town for the horizon of the city of opportunities also called Windhoek.
Of course the city can look good to you, but for the purpose of this column, I will focus on only the negative lifestyle choices that city goers always fall prey to. I do not really know what it is about the city that makes people lose a sense of themselves. Maybe it is something in the water, maybe it is something in the air, but this city will definitely change you if you are not prepared for it. You travelled a few kilometres from your destination, but before you got on the bus your parents or guardians had a few things to say to you: “Study hard and make sure you are safe my child.” You should always remember those words - they are important.
Coming to the city of Windhoek can be very exciting. There are so many things to do and so many places you can go to. You can make as many friends as you wish and you can finally have the freedom to do whatever you want. If you are not too careful like many others before you, the city will literally put an end to all your dreams and hopes. I've once said, “once you taste city life, forget about the small town life.” Some of us who come to big towns like Windhoek usually lose our morals and aspirations.
The young, respectful and kind boys who grow up in small towns now become mean and sour towards others when they taste this city life. The cornrows-braided girl with the skirt now rocks Brazilian hair and a mini skirt. That is what the city does to you, it changes you. Surely, any other place you go to will have an effect on you but it does not have to be a bad one. Surviving the negative aspects of the city is based on a few choices you make for yourself. These include the friends you choose, your choices and lifestyle and your attitude. Choose your friends wisely, particularly if you are in university for the next four or so years who will be by your side. Make sure you choose friends that you are willing to grow with and friends who have the same interests as you. The same friend you “turn up” with should be the same friend you study with… it's that simple. Your lifestyle should also not change, it can be adapted to suit that of the city but you should always remain that small town humble person you used to be before you came to the city. Your attitude must be intact and should not be altered. Student life can be very daunting and challenging at times. The pressure of having to keep up with your study sometimes can be too much. Some people can't handle the pressure and resort to drinking and other destructive habits to cope with it. You should not have to resort to those measures too, that is why a positive outlook and attitude is important.
If and whenever you find yourself struggling in Windhoek, always remember these words and the words that your parents or guardians told you before you came to the city and live out every single word. Remember the purpose of your stay in Windhoek is to study and get that degree, commit yourself to that. Everything else should just wait.
Until next time. Peri nawa!
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article