Remembering Welcoming with Mihlali Xhala

On the 28th a group of eager first years embarked on a journey to the D.F. Malan Centre to a rehearsal that would change their lives FOREVER. We were separated into actors and dancers and there were two groups of dances, ‘Jack Parrow,’ ‘Heads will Roll,’ ‘Rack City’ for the boys and ‘Scared of Me’ which was choreographed for couples.

D.F. Malan was abuzz with Monica girls and Aurora the PSO we were partnered with for Vensters. The excitement of seeing new faces and meeting new people was rather overwhelming. We practised right through on Monday with chaos and confusion as to what we were actually doing and whether or not it was right. Each of us went home with the task of deciding which dance we wanted to be part of and the people who auditioned for acting roles did not only have to decide on which dance they wanted to be part of should they not get a ‘speaking’ role as their fate in the production was still unknown.

Tuesday arrives we have two more days of practising what is supposed to be the biggest day of our non-existent but somehow made into a reality dancing and acting careers. Itwas the day where people had to make big decisions as time was of the essence; we did not have any time to waste. Heike Morkel had the decision made for her by her Physiotherapist. Her dream of being on the Vensters stage was shattered. Heike had torn her ligament after a raid Monday evening (that’s a story for another day) and yes, she was a cripple. The actors got given their respective roles and the dancers had to pull out their best moves. People had to put in the extra work in order for us to be the very best Thursday evening, after all this was a competition and the GRAND PRIZE? No one knows. We soon came to realise that it wasn’t about who was going to win, but rather how much fun we have and the new friendships we walk out with at the end of Vensters.

People were tired and irritable because the big night was drawing closer and closer – it was Wednesday and nothing seemed to be on point except for the Heads will roll dance which would steal the show. The boys’ dance was…a work in progress. They were not getting their steps fast enough and they were stressing everybody out, but I must say their dance might have not been at the level it was expected to be, but we all found their dance rather entertaining. Let’s just say rhythm wasn’t their forte.

Thursday the 31st of January the day we had all been waiting for, Vensters was here and we could feel it. This was it and we were all excited, if we did well during rehearsals it would guarantee a smooth show and a possible win. Thursday was a blur for everyone the day just flew by everything was fast paced. From rehearsals and getting dressed and ready for the show in one hour, Vensters was finally here. That adrenaline pumping moment before you step onto the stage, it was now or never. We could either make it or break it and guess what? We made it we dominated and conquered the night and came out as heroes.We had gotten this far together, first as strangers, then as friends and now as a family. I A.M HERO Vensters 2013.

Remembering Welcoming with Chandre Kippie

The First Years Welcoming Programme was one that was filled with a variety of fun activities, but also the most amazing memories. And one memory that really stands out to me, as a first year has got to be the Community Morning.

It had been arranged for us as the Monica First years of 2013, by the HK members, to go and do some community outreach work at a school known as Rietenbosch Primary School in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch. It really was such a humbling experience to see happy little faces everywhere despite the fact that they didn’t have much. I especially loved being able to interact with a few of the children. We played various games and drew colourful images. It was inspiring to hear their dreams and aspirations. Some wanted to be lawyers while others wanted to work with animals as a vets.

As the morning came to we said our goodbyes and headed back to the Monica Residence. However, we didn’t leave empty handed at all. I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to spend some time with the generations of tomorrow. It truly was an eye-opening moment and I personally will carry the memory with me forever.

Remembering Welcoming 2013 with Heike Morkel

One would say that, after a long day of faculty meetings, running around campus with your mentor, trying to figure out where on earth you are and what you are doing there in the first place, a cycling trip through Stellenbosch would be the absolute last thing on your mind.

Well yes, it is quite an abstract idea, but after collecting our Maties bicycles and finally getting one that was not made for the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk, Monica’s first years group, along with some brave members of the HK (and Helen), set off on a journey to the Hangbrug. Speeding through the afternoon rush in the busy Stellenbosch streets and gliding through the beautiful, peaceful neighbourhoods of upper Matie town, we found ourselves with an opportunity to catch a breath and enjoy our new, breath-taking surroundings.

While acquainting ourselves with our new town, we also had the chance to get to know our new family members better (although, cycling next to another person in these streets is NOT advised!). After our trip, photos were taken of each section on the hangbrug – some girls getting a bit jumpy on the feeble structure.

Finally we had an amazing day filled with new and wonderful experiences – splashing around in the river, half falling off your bicycle after each pause (luckily we only had one minor injury) and finally forming strong bonds with a group of awesome ladies. This was definitely one of the highlights of welcoming week.

By Katelyn Anderson.

On 25 February, Monica week, the week to commemorate all that Monica means to our tight-knit community we lovingly refer to as “familie” will kick off. The first years committee will have decorated campus with Monica marketing on the Sunday night before the madness begins!

Look forward to the Monday that week, because we’ll be rallying troops to bombard Simonsberg, Majuba and Dagbreek in a NONweek advertising campaign – dress to impress!

Tuesday is Helen’s baby. Need I say more? A section event of mass proportions is awaiting us… She may even be so bold as to organise arm-wrestling.

Then why not have a fun skakel with a guys’ res on Wednesday? Just to kick off our boots and relax our arm muscles?

Thursday, after a late night, you can (hopefully) expect a break – unless the GEES overpowers us and we plan a spur-of-the-moment event.

Friday is going to be MAL COOL, as Marisan always exclaims. Lunch on Rooiplein is only the start… Nighttime: NUNS GO CRAY, CRAY, CRAY IN TOWN! Yeah, that’s right – bring your head gear but don’t be scared of wearing a high-waisted skirt (that needn’t reach your ankles!).

And, with that, the weekend is off to a very good start. Monica movie night on Saturday – bring popcorn, chocolate, pillows and the like – it’s a girls’ night IN… which will probably mean pillow fight or massive jol in the By! (Playlists, anyone?)

Sleep in on Sunday and join us for a lovely ladies’ brunch in the eetsaal… First years, if this is your first brunch, gear up for an eating contest

…and the theme is: “Hero Toons!”

Representatives from Monica joined MAD² partners, Aurora, in the Neelsie Gat on Tuesday to  await the launch of the MAD² theme for 2013. Sherry was served and the Maties were buzzing with excitement as the MAD² 2013 launch video was played. The video depicted a flurry of images and scenes from iconic superhero and cartoon movies, set to epic music. We are all extremely excited and Monica and Aurora are already overflowing with  ”Hero Toons” ideas!

 Please contact our HK of MAD² 2013, Anja Morkel with your ideas and inspiration, or comment below – we want input from the whole house!

A special thank you to Ester Corrie for coordinating the launch and fuelling the MAD² hype.

Here’s to 2013 and an amazing  MAD² experience with Aurora!!

Monica and Aurora in the Neelsie, unable to contain their excitement

MONICA AND METANOIA WON AN OVERALL 11TH PLACE FOR MAD2 2012!

The following first places were won:
- March for Madness Geesbeker
- March for Madness Smoeg-beker
- Groenbeker

Congratulations to everyone who were involved with MAD2 this year!

Welcome to the new site! This is a special page for old Monicaners, where you can leave your contact details for old friends to contact you. You can do this by leaving a comment on this page. Feel free to share any stories of your time in Monica!