School is Hard

University life in Cape Town is very different from College of Charleston or Clemson. I am constantly in the library, studying, reading, and writing. The work load is seemingly endless. And the worst part… the grading system here is impossible. For instance, a 60 or 70 is considered good which equates to a “B” or “C”. And I know a “C” is average, but sometimes it feels like a failure. Professors see things differently than American professors.

Today I gave a presentation on the African Union and whether or not I feel it has been effective. I read numerous articles, wrote an 11 page paper, and stated my opinion which was that conflict eliminates resources and divides citizens. In order for the AU to succeed in its mission, I believe that the peacekeeping efforts have to take precedence. I’m not sure what grade I will receive, but I can tell you that I worked harder on this essay and presentation than on anything I ever wrote in the US.

Growing up with two highly educated parents, the importance of receiving good grades was always stressed. Whenever I was preparing to take a test, my parents would tell me to get “rooftops” which translates into: get an “A”. My brother and I were cash rewarded for good grades—so the pressure was always on.

I’m studying International Relations (Political Science), which is a far cry from my natural field of Education, at the Masters level. I am learning quite a lot of Africa: the history, theories of development, conflicts, and the impact of colonialism. It’s just mentally exhausting to put in so many hours to get an average or slightly above average grade in return!