Kamagano Sethono, Student Peer Advisor in the Faculty of Theology and Religion, tells Tukkievaria about his role at UP and reflects on Youth Month.

“My choices will impact the lives of people around me and that of future generations,” says Kamagano Sethono, Student Peer Advisor in the Faculty of Theology and Religion, who tells us more about what motivates him and shares his thoughts on the significance of Youth Month.

Tell us about yourself and your educational qualifications.

I was born in Soweto and raised in Vosloorus in the East Rand. I am doing my BTh (Hons) in Old Testament Studies, and am in my final year of studying Psychology. I would like to explore social justice, reconciliation and spirituality in the African context by relating them to narratives in the Old Testament. I believe all humans are born with a sense of spirituality and that faith is a prerequisite for a fulfilled life. Therefore, I want to link the Old Testament as well as systematic and historical theology, focusing predominantly on spirituality and psychology.

How has Youth Month had an impact on your life?

I am reminded of the strength and potential that I possess, and that my choices will impact the lives of people around me and that of future generations. I’m also reminded that my voice is loud enough and that I have the freedom to express myself. 

In your role as a peer mentor, how are you helping your community?

A student’s journey to their desired destination is full of stressful, challenging moments. I wish to be there for them and assist them in achieving their university goals. I offer academic support, stress and time management tips, and study methods; I also motivate students, assist with goal setting, and help them with career guidance and exploration. 

What motivates you?

During my first year at university, I struggled to fit in and balance my responsibilities. As the first child in my family to go to university, expectations were high. So for me to strive, I needed assistance and I found some. I met good people who helped me find my feet and always made sure that I was okay. I am helping students because I know that my help will impact not only the student, but his/her family and community too. I help students because I know how effective a simple conversation can be. 

What advice would you give to young men and women about helping their communities?

To live a fulfilled, purposeful life, you should make a difference in spaces you find yourself in. For many of us, a helping hand was offered to get us to where we are. We received inspiration and motivation from people who hoped to see a positive change in this generation. I propose that we join this train and ride along with people who want to see the best out of this world. We might not change the world, but we can impact the small or large communities and groups we find ourselves in. To help means to recognise that what you have can contribute to someone's development and growth. To help in our communities means to make the lives of people around us better. As young people of this generation, we have freedom and identity – this was acquired with the help of determined young people in 1976. Let us be the change the world is waiting for.