“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coelho
It is with a heavy heart that Hippokrates has to say goodbye to one of our  own. I took it upon myself to do the difficult task of summarising many years of beautiful memories and experiences into a few words, it’s an honour to give Jeanette van Zanden’s story at Hippo immortality amongst these words.
The interview had a sad feel to it as I sat across a beautiful , loving and kind woman with tear stained cheeks yet eyes filled with hope for the future and admiration for all her experiences at Hippo. 
Jeanette van Zanden grew up in the Free-state and admires her mother dearly, often referring to her a Mother Theresa and it is no wonder Jeanette has such a loving nature. 
Jeanette joined the Hippo family in 2004 with many years of experience managing students and a residence. She has been managing many residences at TUKS but believes that Hippo will always have her heart. Her family joined her, living in Hippo which became her home and a home away from home for her students. Her son (Gerrit van Zanden, 22) and daughter (Hendriette, 42) both grew up amongst students and knew they always had hundreds of brothers and sisters.  Jeanette believed that she was here to provide a service to all students: “The students are the ones who pay my salary, I must fight for them and serve them.” 
Jeanette has formed such strong, honest, real and lasting bonds with Hippo students that she still keeps in contact with many long after graduation and continues to make memories with the students  ( some invite her to their wedding) .
When I asked Jeanette what her favourite thing about Hippo was she said “ The Students!” with so much joy and tears in her eyes. She shared some amazing memories with me about rebellious students, a lady from the street that kept breaking into res and some really heart felt experiences that students had and she assisted them through. and she assisted them through. Many students can attest that Jeanette helped through tough times and reminded them of the hope for the future. She has been a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, a moral campus and  a mother to so many.  She taught some students to bake and was always willing to lend her ear and opened her door to all students. When asked to describe Jeanette words like mother, strength, happy, loving, kind, gets things done and warm came from the students at Hippo. Jeanette will be greatly missed by many. 
Jeanette seemed very excited about her future. She will be moving to Limpopo soon and then join her sister in Namibia. Ever so naturally she hugged me goodbye, I could tell she has hugged many students before but this time was special. I felt quite sad knowing that this would be my last time hugging Jeanette. 
Jeanette’s closing words, “I’ m greeting  the University with so much sadness and tears. It’s not my choice but I believe that God has something great planned for me, he is always in control. God always knows why and he will never put you in a situation you can’t make it through. Adios my dear friends and children. I will always love you all. God bless you.”   
And like that… it is time to say goodbye. I hope I did Jeanette and her story justice. Thank you Jeanette,  we wish you all of the best for the future.