Interview with a First Year Socialite

Strewn all over Chanel’s room are discarded outfits. Low neckline tops, figure hugging jeans and an assortment of shoes reflect the innate talent this young lady has for looking good all the time. However, among the collection of socialite clothes are English set books and a French dictionary. “Ya I’m taking five subjects. So much for first year supposedly being the relaxing one!” Chanel remarks whilst relocating drama notes from her bed to a desk already groaning under the weight of her text books and files. “I’m just busy with a French essay, but we’re going for R10 drafts tonight at the Rat though hey?” was the remark made by this friend of mine, the most multi-talented individual I’ve ever come upon.

Chanel Stephanie Pallent is a born and bred Vaalie, hailing form Beaulieu College in the upper class suburbs of Northern Johannesburg. Besides this fact, she remains humble and is as down to earth as a centipede’s stomach, a trait demonstrated by her willingness to make me a cup of tea as soon as I walk into her room which she shares with long time friend Megan Murison. “Living with a room mate was difficult at first but now I’ve gotten used to it, I’ll miss Meg next year but I think I’ll be over it by then. Having pre-drinks in here with all of our friends is the best way to spend a Friday night!” This is the catalyst for my main intention of interviewing Chanel, her innate ability to balance work and a booming social life. Chanel is a first year student majoring in journalism and drama, two extremely demanding subjects that require countless hours of extra effort. Journalism wise, Chanel was recently promoted to chief sub-editor of the Rhodes student newspaper, Activate. A position not often entrusted to a first year. “Activate is a huge time killer, especially paste-up weekends. I have to plan really carefully, especially if I’ve been asked to be stage manager of a play at the drama department.”

All these activities are simply aids for Chanel to make 2nd year journalism and drama, activities that are essential to her university career. Though, if you were to hit the town on a Friday night, you wouldn’t think it was the same academic person you’d been exposed to earlier. “I go out about four times a week, but it changes between a short, one drink at the pub night and those major nights where you get home and it looks like the sun is rising, those are great fun!”

This balance Chanel manages to maintain between essential varsity work and a healthy social life is a skill that (according to Chanel) is only achievable via “self-control”. “Keep a diary, plan your time. There’s always room for fun, just find it,” were her comments on maintaining the healthy balance between business and pleasure. “Not that I haven’t pulled the occasional all nighters or handed in late essay’s,” she smiles and shrugs; “it happens. Just learn to deal.”

This matter of balance is one that many first years are struggling to cope with. It isn’t an easy skill to master, we are naturally human and so we tend towards activities that stimulate our craniums in an entertaining way. Going dancing and playing drinking games is one of these ways, completing a sociology tutorial, is not. Megan Murison, Chanel’s room mate, has no doubt in her mind that her friend will join her on social outings as “Chanel just works during the day, goes to her lectures and plans ahead. We always manage to go out and johl. It’s not an issue.”

This skill of Chanel’s is one that all first years should master as soon as possible. Chanel is capable of experiencing first year life to the fullest with as little stress as possible. A true role model for aspiring socialites.