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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

Varsity Cup launched at the UFS
2008-02-14

 

Eerste Nasionale Bank (ENB) het onlangs die ENB Varsitybeker-kompetisie, waarin Suid-Afrika se top-universiteite teen mekaar gaan meeding, aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) bekend gestel.

Die Varsitybeker-konsep bestaan uit agt spanne wat op Maandae teen mekaar sal meeding, gevolg deur twee halfeindstryde en ‘n eindstryd. Die wedstryde skop 18 Februarie 2008 af en die laaste wedstryd sal op 7 April 2008 gespeel word. Die Shimlas se wedstryde (4) begin op 25 Februarie 2008 teen die Universiteit van Johannesburg en eindig op 15 Maart 2008 teen die Nelson Mandela Metropolitaanse Universiteit.

‘n ENB Varsitybeker-feestoernooi word oor die Paasnaweek in April vanjaar in George beplan waar al agt spanne elk drie ligawedstryde sal speel. ‘n Koshuis van elk van die agt spanne se universiteit sal ook die geleentheid kry om teen mekaar in George te speel. Dit sal die eerste keer in die Suid-Afrikaanse rugbygeskiedenis wees dat universiteitskoshuise in ‘n toernooi teen mekaar sal meeding.

By die loodsing was, van links: prof. Frederick Fourie (Rektor en Visekanselier van die UV), mnr. James Letuka (Direkteur: KovsieSport) mnr. Francois Pienaar (voormalige Springbokkaptein en direkteur van die ENB Varsitybeker), en mnr. De Wet Ras (KovsieSport).
Foto: Leonie Bolleurs

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