Overcoming numerous health obstacles during her studies, Jenna Clarkson is in high spirits after obtaining her degree from the University of the Free State (UFS). While most students enjoyed an active social and campus life, she often had to visit the hospital while studying. Receiving her
BA Integrated Organisational Communication qualification during the April 2023 graduation ceremony has been a healing balm after many years of pain.
The
Faculty of the Humanities graduate was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2021. In 2022, after several physiotherapists and emergency room visits, she was also diagnosed with
juvenile disc disorder and
sacroiliitis. The latter condition affects one or both sacroiliac joints where the lower spine and pelvis meet and may cause pain in one or both legs.
Initially, Jenna assumed she had hurt herself during karate practice, but the pain would not subside. “I would randomly lose feeling in my legs and couldn’t sit. I spent a year in pain and struggled to walk, lift heavy objects, cough, and sleep on my side. I struggled with the fact that this was going to be an issue for the rest of my life.”
However, with a lot of love from her friends, support from her lecturers, and grace with herself, Jenna learned how to handle the pain and to realise when she has met her limits. This student from Johannesburg says that although pain is frustrating and overwhelming, having emotional support helps. “Sometimes just having someone to listen and be there is the best thing.”
The journey to the graduation stage might have been difficult for this high-flyer, but it was a worthwhile undertaking.
“I feel over the moon, and a little overwhelmed that it happened,” says Jenna about getting her degree in communications. Loving her field of study, she attended class eagerly and enjoyed her modules. “I love that I am allowed to create, I get to make something. There’s nothing more amazing than getting a brief and being able to look at it and create something from it that nobody else would have created. The bonus is that I am quite good at it too,” adds the student who is currently doing her honours degree at the UFS.
Getting her first degree from the UFS, Jenna is determined to excel in her chosen field.
“I would like to get my honours degree cum laude and do a PhD degree, but I am taking it one degree at a time. If it doesn’t work out that way, it’s okay. I am very good at figuring things out and making a plan.”
Jenna is determined to make her parents proud. “Having lost my dad at four, I do everything with the hope that he would be proud of my choices. My mom sacrificed a lot to give me the best life she could.”