MY JOURNENY TO BECOMING A JOURNALIST

MY FIRST SEMESTER AS A TUT JOURNALISM STUDENT

BY: Bandile Mbango

x: @Bandilekamo

Email: bandilekamogelo7@gmail.com

My name is Bandile Kamugelo Mbango, I am thrilled to share my first semester, Hello everyone! I'm a first-year journalism student at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). As my first semester wraps up, I wanted to share my experiences and give you a peek into the exciting world of a journalist.

 When the chance to study journalism at TUT came along, I seized it without a second thought. Stepping onto the TUT campus for the second time because I had been there during the interviews, yes, we had interviews and being back here again was a mix of excitement and nerves. The bustling campus buzzed with energy, and I instantly felt part of something big that will change the world. Orientation day was full of meeting new people, shaking hands with professors, and figuring out where all my classes were. I even managed to get lost on my way to the cafeteria, ending up in the education building instead. Classic first-day blunder!

My first class, Introduction to Journalism, was everything I hoped for and more. Our professor, a seasoned journalist with fascinating stories from the field, made each lecture engaging and insightful. It quickly became clear that journalism isn’t just about writing; it’s about investigating, questioning, and always seeking the truth. One of the highlights of this semester has been developing my storytelling skills. From writing hard news to creating feature articles, each assignment was an opportunity to explore different aspects of journalism. Their stories not only enriched my writing but also broadened my perspective on the impact of journalist.

Of course, it hasn’t been all work and no play. The friendships I’ve formed with my classmates have been a cornerstone of this journey. Late-night study sessions, spontaneous Kota breaks, and brainstorming meetings have created bonds that I cherish. We’ve become close friends I am happy to refer to them as my sisters and brothers because of the bond we are sharing. I enjoyed the trip we had to TUT Toppieshoek Adventure Campsite where we got to do fun outdoor activities having to put trust on your friends because of the game it was really nice being there with them.

Not everything was smooth sailing, though. Juggling deadlines with personal life proved challenging. There were sleepless nights spent studying preparing for tests and typing assignments with group members who are not dedicated in doing the work, preparing speeches to present in broadcast class every thursday and breaking down in my room because of thinking am not going to make it since journalism Is not to be taken lightly you will be surprised. It was a painful lesson in the importance of backups.

As this first semester comes to a close, I feel a mix of pride and excitement for what’s next to come in the upcoming semester. The world of journalism is vast and ever-changing, and I’m eager to continue learning, growing, and try my level best to make the best mark.

So, there you have it a glimpse into my first semester as a TUT journalism student. It’s been a rollercoaster of learning, discovery, and fun, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of my story. Here’s to many more semesters of chasing learning how to write stories, how to broadcast at a radio station and learn the theory of the laws of journalism, and sharing the adventures along the way!