UJ Advance, Vol. 8, issue 2, Winter 2012

There’s nothing that makes an individual feel more empowered than having knowledge, since as the saying goes, “knowledge is power”. Education is a tool to many successes and a weapon to overcome even the worst of circumstances. Often we don’t realise the impact we have in helping others to achieve their goals, regardless of the environment or situation. Yes, when student have dreams and they want to reach that goal, they will do everything in their power to make it happen. As in life, however, we all need help to make it through some challenges - and there are plenty of challenges along the way. In this edition of the UJ Advance you’ll learn of the different projects and initiatives the community at the University of Johannesburg has developed to help students while they reach for their dreams. Sometimes we may tend to overlook how other aspects of life may impact the academic, and thus not taking into account the need to provide support in those areas. We recognise those individuals spearheading support services at UJ which have been crucial in the successes of our students over the years. It’s a thirst for knowledge that brings us all together, but at the end of the day, there will also be other elements which determine how well we perform. There is much more still to be achieved, and so let this be a challenge to you as staff, students, stakeholders and the wider UJ community to share your ideas of how we can make the University experience that much more enriching and successful for all our students. Let’s put our efforts together in helping our students to a future that is extraordinary