BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

As part of a Round Square exchange, I spent two months at St Stithians College in Johannesburg. The experience gave me the rare opportunity to compare life in South Africa with my home in Tasmania, two places that are vastly different in geography, culture, and pace, yet both have shaped my perspective in meaningful ways.

Tasmania feels calm, grounded, and closely connected to nature. Life moves at a slower pace, with fresh air, open spaces, and the ocean never far away. There’s a strong sense of community and familiarity, and daily life feels balanced, whether it’s walking along the beach, kicking the footy with mates, or simply enjoying the quiet.

Johannesburg, by contrast, is full of energy. The city is fast-paced, diverse, and constantly changing. The mix of cultures, languages, and experiences creates an exciting environment where no two days feel the same. Living there encouraged independence, adaptability, and confidence. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to embrace new experiences.

One of the biggest differences I noticed was the pace of life, especially at school and in sport. Tasmania feels predictable and relaxed, while Johannesburg was intense and energising. Neither is better than the other, they simply offer different strengths. Tasmania provides space to slow down and appreciate the small things, while Johannesburg inspires growth, resilience, and openness to change.

The environments themselves also reflect this contrast. Tasmania’s natural beauty is unmatched, with clean air and easy access to nature wherever you are. Johannesburg’s richness comes from its people, culture, and vibrant social life. Experiencing both has shown me the value of balance: combining peace and adventure, stability and challenge.

If I could design my ideal life, it would bring together the best of both worlds, the natural beauty and close community of Tasmania alongside the diversity, opportunity, and energy of Johannesburg. This exchange showed me that you don’t have to choose one world over the other. Instead, you can carry the best parts of each with you, and allow them to shape the person you become.

Harry Procter
Year 10 Student