Aim for the stars at UP

Micaela Liebenberg

At one of the most prestigious universities in South Africa, which ranks in the top 1% globally in faculties such as Agricultural Sciences, Biology, and Biochemistry, it is hard not to feel a sense of pride stepping onto any UP campus as a first-year. It can also be overwhelming when introduced to the plethora of opportunities awaiting you. Here at the University of Pretoria, the institution offers you exciting new possibilities, ranging from societies pioneering new futures for students to educators that will guide you to make the most of it.

Professor Chris Theron, the Physics Department HOD, shared his insights from 30 years of experience here at UP, having seen countless first-years come and go. When asked how he managed to master such a difficult subject, he said, “I always enjoy asking new questions. Besides strong math skills, I believe understanding principles and practice is the best advice I can give students to tackle difficult modules.” Prof. Theron furthermore emphasised that if students want to make the most of their first-year modules, confidence is key. “If you are doing something you enjoy, you must be willing to stay grounded. You must be willing to work harder than your peers if necessary, and use your 40-hour week wisely.” He also stressed the importance of being able to adapt quickly to the academic climate, with a common misconception among first-year students in the faculty being that the methods they used in school will not work in university.

The professor also acknowledged the stress students experience academically, financially, and socially. Before he joined UP, he failed Theology twice and it was only in his third year that he changed paths and pursued physics, eventually getting his honours and taking up a career in iThemba Labs with relish. The road to finishing your degree is not easy, but it is one worth taking.

If you are on campus, consider dropping by the AE du Toit Auditorium, where UP keeps its very own Van de Graaff accelerator, which can generate up to 1.5 million volts in potential difference and is used to ascertain the properties of materials. A new belt for the machine is currently on its way from Italy.

But how does one make the most of their first year? A simple answer to this would be to join the multitude of societies just waiting for you to participate in the exciting activities they have planned for 2023. One of these societies is the Blue Crane Space Society. “We’re really excited about this team,” said Muteb Benedict Tshimbalang, vice president of the society and the mind behind the project. “We want to encourage practical application to the thoughts, theories, and other work we do here at UP.”

The society has exciting projects planned for a criminal offence and could be penalised or arrested. Therefore, no student or person is obligated to pay them. In fact, “begging” is against the rules and regulations of being a car guard or security officer in South Africa.

2023, and they hope to encourage first-year students across all faculties to join. Some of these projects include the launching of a model rocket with a liquid engine, stargazing during the lunar eclipse in May, and doing outreach at different schools. Blue Crane Space is a good option for those pursuing careers involving physics, engineering, and mathematics, with opportunities like traveling abroad and gaining a holistic approach to the workspace on offer.

South Africa has a thriving space industry, but Tshimbalang and his team acknowledge the apathy of citizens threatening it. They hope to help build a future generation who can develop their ideas, apply them practically, and literally shoot for the stars.

Whether your eyes are aimed at the stars or the earth below, UP has a lot to offer their first-years to help them achieve their potential and make the most of their future career.