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24 April 2023 | Story Gerda-Marié van Rooyen | Photo Charl Devenish
Jenna Clarkson
Jenna Clarkson is a devout communications student and a karateka. She had to deal with several health challenges during her studies, but nevertheless dreams of obtaining her PhD in Communication at the UFS.
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.”

News Archive

Kovsies reign FNB Superbowl
2007-05-10

The FNB Super Bowl took place from 26 – 30 April in Potchefstroom.
The Kovsies reigned the tournament in their respective categories.
It was an absolute mega Intervarsity. The following tournaments took place in which Kovsies was represented.
 
Senior rugby tournament
The Shimlas won their first game against TUT 33-0
In the Semi-final Shimlas lost against Pukke 17-8.
The Shimlas played for third and fourth place against Tukkies and won the game 41-19. Which secured them the third place in the tournament.
 
The following teams participated in the tournament
Pukke, UJ, Shimlas, Tukkies, Maties, NMMU, TUT, UCT
 
SA Students team
The following Shimlas were selected for the SA student games:
Steph Roberts (prop)
Drikus Strydom (hooker)
Philip Steyn (lock)
Marlin Ruiters (Scrumhalf)
Marcel du Toit (flyhalf)
 
Pharmaton Junior Rugby Tournament
The Kovsies u/21 & u/19 teams won their respective tournaments. It is a wonderful accomplishment for the University. The following teams took part in the tournament: Kovsies, Pukke, Tukkies and UJ.
 
u/21 results
Won Pukke 12-11
Won UJ 22-18
Won Tukkies 47-16
 
u/19 results
Won UJ 9-8
Won Pukke 25-13
Won Tukkies 25-16
 
Hostel Rugby Tournament
Reitz and Armentum represented Kovsies. These two teams played against each other in the final which Reitz won 47-0. To have both our hostel teams in the final is an outstanding accomplishment for Kovsies.
The following Universities took park: Kovsies, Pukke, Tukkies and UJ
 
Reitz results
Won Sonop (UJ): 27-7
Won Patria (Pukke): 11-10
Bastion (Tukkies): withdraw
Won Armentum in the final: 47-0
 
Armentum results
Won Overs (Pukke): 15-7
Won Afslaan: 49-12
Won Boekenhout: 43-0
Lost against Reitz in the final: 47-0
 
Hostel Soccer
Veritas represented Kovsies and won Kiaat from Tukkies in the final with 3-1 after a penalty shoot-out.
 
Hostel Netball
Vergeet-my-nie and Emily Hobhouse represented Kovsies. Vergeet-my-nie lost in the final against Wanda from Pukke17-14.
 
Hostel Cricket
Vishuis lost in the final against Villagers from Pukke with 5 wickets.
 
Hostel Hockey
Wag-‘n-Bietjie and Vergeet-my-nie represented Kovsies. Unfortunetly none of them went through to the finals.
 
 We won most of the games against the strongest Universities in the country is an outstanding accomplishment for Kovsies.
 
Compiled by
Ansu Colditz
Rugby Manager

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