These past two years have been an incredible experience for me. Starting at MATC was scary, exciting and uncharted territory for me. I was going to attend an American college, for the first time in my life! Being a South Africa native, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. What would people think of me, would they understand my accent and would I cope with the coursework? These were just a fraction of the many thoughts that swarmed my thoughts as I readied myself for day one of my new adventure. There have been many late nights of last-minute homework crunches, studying for tests and even frustrating internet searches. But there have also been many more amazing moments…
I remember the first day I made the Dean’s List. I didn’t even know what the list meant, or understand the whole GPA system. But with everyone’s excitement I knew it had to be something good. Since then I have made it my mission to land on the list again (and again.)
I can remember the first MATC Times Newspaper awards dinner I attended. I was so excited, and didn’t even know I was getting an award (a certificate of appreciation.) I was just excited to spend time with my co-workers (reporters and photographers.) It was a great dinner with many laughs and memories created.
I can remember my trip to Minnesota for my first newspaper conference. It was February, freezing cold but totally worth it. We went indoor rock climbing, sat on a frozen bench, and met a wonderful lady who I am proud to call a good friend.  I also visited New Orleans with another trip where I got to try alligator, walked on Bourbon Street and played model to some very skilled MATC Times photographer (unfortunately I’m not a very skilled model.)
I can remember my induction into Phi Theta Kappa and the National Technical Honor Society. It was special to me because I could see my hard work paying off. It gave me an extra boost I needed to finish my year strong.
I can remember receiving a call from Mr. Graham informing me that I had won the title of State Ambassador of MATC. It seemed unreal; they had chosen me to represent the college. I went to Madison where I met all the other technical college State Ambassadors. I am still in touch with those amazing people.
I can remember attending the 2012 Lamp of Knowledge awards ceremony. In that moment I knew that was my next goal, to win my own. Thursday, May 8, I will receive my very own Lamp of Knowledge!
As you can see many of the memories I have from my two years at MATC are big life-changing events. But some of my memories are small, yet treasured, such as the friends I have made in my two years sharing a classroom with them. The valuable knowledge, skills and abilities I have collected from hours in the classroom, many homework assignments and even presentations.
Writing for the MATC Times has allowed me to move up from inexperienced writer, to amateur photographer (yes, one of my photos made the paper) to slightly more experienced writer and finally an editor.
I have had the chance to meet many noteworthy people within MATC including the President, Provost, a few Associate Deans and even the South African Consulate General when she came to visit. I have learned that an organization can only provide you with opportunities – it is up to you to take them and make them a reality.
I encourage all of you students to reach out with both hands and accept the opportunities available to you.  It is terrifying to realize that this adventure is nearing its end as graduation creeps closer, however I have nothing but thankfulness to MATC for their support and the opportunities they have afforded me in my time here.
They say time flies when you’re having fun, and I have to agree. This adventure has been an amazing fun-filled experience!