River of life of Vuyiwe Mgijima

I was born on the 18th of July, in Stellenbosch Hospital. I was raised by my grandparents and my mother came back into my life when I was five according to my memories. She did not abandon me she had to go and finish her teachers Diploma. I appreciate what she had done as it created a bright future for me. As a child i had it all, my grandparents spoiled me very much.

I went to Idas Valley Primary School, played sports and excelled through my school career. With the influence of colored friends to whom smoking at the age of 12 was a social norm, I also experimented.

Into an English Girls High School with experience of smoking, the habit grew into an addiction. Fun was the reason for smoking Dagga occasionally until it became for weight maintenance, meditation and a habit which later on became an addiction. Alcohol was never a big thing for me as its activities took place at night. My grandfather was very strict and i stuck to the curfew set for me. Signs and symptoms where present and people were talking. At home I was a child and made sure I hid all evidence. 2008, first year at Varsity College Gardens, a Diploma In International Travel. Long street Cape Town is where the drinking of alcohol at night clubs started. I contained myself and never over did it. My mother was working really hard to pay for my very expensive fees, both academic and residence fees. Passed first year clean, bad news was that Varsity College was now merging with the Rondebosch campus. This meant that I had to look for another place to stay. 2009 moved to Gugulethu to stay with my grandmother from my fathers' side as I didn't get a place to stay in Rondebosch. At this stage the habits had reached maximum and became an abuse. I was still doing great academically and graduated in 2012 on the 6th of May my grandfathers date of death.

Going back a bit, February 2011, got a job at FNB Easyplan as a Sales Consultant. This gave me my first flying experience, British Airlines to O.R Thambo International Airport. My second visit to Johannesburg, I enjoyed the two weeks stay even though I was on training. My grandmother got a heavy stroke and my mother had to move in with us at home. I earned her flat and stayed alone. Life was all bright and everything went well. My one year contract ended at FNB and I thought I would take a break for a month and then kick of my career in the Travel and Tourism Industry. What I planned to be a break became my direction to Drug and Alcohol abuse path. Being young and owning an apartment created loads of partying nights and my furniture started spoiling and I could not maintain rent any more. My mother who was helping me out suggested that I move back home the day someone broke into to my flat and took my plasma TV. Sound system, designer shoes and clothing, small electrical appliances and loads of other things, but no just my plasma TV. I knew this person was at the same Hang Out spot that I was that night and had been watching each and every move i made. I  moved back home and made the decision to came to the Academy after witnessing my cousin Khangelani Ngijima take an inspirational change of direction in his life.

I have regained myself, am determined to proceed with striving for excellence and pursue my journey in making it big in the Travel and Tourism Industry.

Vuyiwe Vivian Mgijima