MY TIME AT SOC

My Time at Scotch Oakburn – Marcus Jansen van Vuuren

Six weeks have gone by, and my time at Scotch Oakburn College is unfortunately over. All the experiences I’ve been a part of and the amazing people I’ve met have made my time here incredibly memorable. My experience in Tasmania has been filled with new activities, different experiences and plenty of opportunities to push myself outside my comfort zone.

I’ve spent a lot of my time meeting and connecting with some of the most welcoming and enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. There aren’t many places where I’ve felt comfortable from the first day in a completely new environment, but something about SOC just felt right. It was great being part of a group of people who were welcoming, supportive and always up for a laugh. Over the six weeks, I was able to build friendships that I hope will continue even after I leave.

While in Tasmania, I spent many of my days trying new things and visiting places I had never been before. Whether it was visiting local attractions such as Wineglass Bay and Cradle Mountain, or trying completely new sports like golf, basketball and Australian football, there was always something different to look forward to. I even had the opportunity to play an Australian football match, which was definitely something I wouldn’t have experienced at home. I also got to go on a few excursions with the school, which gave me the chance to explore more of Tasmania while spending time with other students.

This experience has taught me a lot, especially about myself. It allowed me to put myself forward, try things without worrying about whether I would be good at them, and become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. I’ve realised that sometimes the best experiences come from simply being willing to give something a go. Being away from home for six weeks also taught me to be more independent and adaptable, while still appreciating the support of the people around me.

Looking back, I think one of the best parts of the exchange was that I never knew what each day was going to bring. From playing new sports and exploring Tasmania to meeting new people and becoming part of the SOC Community, every experience added something to my time here

Although I’m sad that my six weeks at SOC have come to an end, I’m grateful for everything I’ve been able to experience. I’ll leave Tasmania with plenty of good memories, new friendships and a better understanding of myself. Most importantly, this exchange has shown me the value of being open to new experiences and making the most of opportunities when they come along.

Marcus Jansen van Vuuren,
Woodridge College, South Africa