I went to chat to the head of the Media department in PMB this morning. He was giving me advice on whether to move to Durban or not, and made me aware of the departmental politics that I may encounter should I choose to Durban.
The decision to move away from home, move away from the lecturers you know, move away from all your friends is a huge one. Granted, being on an academic scholarship I have to consider what is best for my academic career. However, surely I should consider my social and personal growth as well? Should one remain in a city that does nothing for one’s personal development, or should one move to a department in which one may encounter academic difficulties?
My dilemma extends to next year. I’m thinking about applying to Oxford to do my Masters Degree. If I suddenly choose to stay in PMB, it means that (in the event that I am accepted to Oxford) I will just from living at home for 22 years, to living “alone” in a foreign country, surrounded by NO-ONE I know. I feel that Durban is by better option, purely because it provides that essential stepping-stone phase. Yes, I would adapt and survive if I didn’t have the opportunity to study in Durban first. However, I DO have the opportunity, and I’ve decided that I’m staying in Natal.
So I ultimately need to weigh up my personal, social and academic interests, and decide what is best for me overall.
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January 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Hi Matt…. reading through your comments it seems clear that you actually do have the answer: do Durban! Your points all, well, POINT in that direction
Understandibly the prospect of massive change is daunting and with it all the unknowns. I moved to Durban about 10 years ago and I am so glad I did. Maritzburg was a wonderful, safe and comfortable environment but I was going nowhere very slowly. If ts helpful hare’s a few things to consider:
-PMB is less than an hours drive away; it’s a great anchor to have loved-ones that close
-politics aside, what better environment (another varsity) to meet more great people… they are there in their droves!!!!!
-open one door in a certain direction and all these others appear that you didn’t even know exsisted
-it’s really nice seeing the ocean everyday even if you don’t go right up to it!
-if it’s REALLY UNBEARABLE: nothing is set in stone…. PMB will still be there
LEAP……the net will follow…
X
PS if you need a friendly chat… give me shout…. coffee/chocolate/wine/whiskey/beer on me!
January 16th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
hey matt,
i agree with berth’s comment above. i just can’t believe that we lived in durbs for 21 years, and you wait till now to move down (and only 5 min from where we lived). i’m sure you’ll enjoy it, especially having your own space!
how was stellenbosch? - i looked at the photos on facebook, and you loked like you were having a good time.
keep well, and the next time we chat hopefully it will be on skype and you should be 21.
have fun