Tag: #LockDown

Reaching Out, Student Perspectives Bedfordview Shannon

Posted on by Anrolette Hollamby

Shannon Nevay, current student in Lockdown, advises on the benefits of Education, keeping up with your studies, and planning for an uncertain future:

“I am a student currently in my 3rd year of studying a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Marketing Management via correspondence with Boston College. I have been studying via correspondence for the full length of my studies so far and it has been such a truly great experience.

As I write this, it is day 20 of the nation-wide lockdown and although many things have changed such as our ability to move around, restrictions on who we can and cannot see and trying times ahead economically, the one thing that has been a stable constant for me has been my studies. The transition into the lockdown was seamless as I have been able to continue my studies just as I was doing so before, working through course material, completing my assignments and uploading them online and being able to study for the upcoming exams. The amazing team at my Boston Bedfordview support centre have also made this change much easier as we get updates and support from all the staff. Whether this is through continued communication through WhatsApp or personal phone calls about important updates, or through the use of the online student wellness module that includes supportive and motivational articles about how each student can personally deal with this situation. Boston truly puts immense effort into taking care of their students and continuing excellence in the learning experience through trying times.

As a correspondence student myself, I believe that especially during this time, people have now gotten a much better insight into how important it can be to have the correct foundations for online learning. Boston has had this online support fully operational to support their correspondence students for years and because of that, they have been quick to transition their other students to this system so that we may all benefit from an uninterrupted learning experience during the lockdown.

In the coming months, I’m sure there will be a lot of uncertainty among people about what happens next. As someone who has been personally affected and has been left unemployed due to this pandemic, one thing I can be sure of is that continuing my studies with Boston can only improve my situation and help me as I head towards this seemingly uncertain future with hope for what is to come. I have also had more time to reflect on what I want to do in the future and am considering registering for another course with Boston after I have completed this degree. I think that now is the perfect time to register for a course for anyone who has been thinking about pursuing new career opportunities or wants to support their current career with a recognised higher certificate, diploma or degree in their field.

I know that my academic year is secure and that none of my hard work will go to waste because of all of the systems Boston is using to support their students during the lockdown, which have been working for correspondence students for years and can also support other full-time students.

I cannot express enough how helpful and professional my Boston support team has been throughout the duration of my studies, let alone during this pandemic”.

This mature attitude of Shannon’s towards her own personal circumstances and the wider environment that we all share has inspired other students and staff alike. It is a reminder our future is often uncertain, and we need to plan for unforeseen events by having goals and ambition. This virus has also been a stark reminder for all of us of the importance of developing 4th industrial revolution skills such as IT as well as flexibility and adaptability.

Boston rocks with free concerts as students continue with uninterrupted studies

Posted on by Anrolette Hollamby

As our communities grapple with the realities of living in #LockDown, businesses and schools have had to come up with innovative ideas to serve the communities, maintain contact and work #TogetherApart. Boston started off the LockDown with a concert from Soul Candi recruit Holly Rey, letting people know that we are here, we are available and we are looking for ways to make them feel part of the greater community, while in their lounge at home! The concert was great, Holly Rey done with her outstanding music and warm and bubbly personality. “The cancellation of events due to Covid-19 has affected us badly because that is our main source of income a artists, but luckily for me I still have some income, so I just wanted to give people a free concert during these difficult times” she said. Her free live concert has been viewed nearly 8000 times!

“Our intention is to continue as much as we are able , to communicate with, engage with and entertain our audience” says Anne Hollamby of Boston. “Our partnership with the Soul Candi brand has allowed us to promote artists as well as provide live concerts,” she says.

With graduates of Soul Candi blazing music trails, they are showcasing their skills learned through Soul Candi qualifications. One of the budding graduates from the program is Dwson – who has released an album on Stay True Sound. “A former student who did the Digital Music Composition and Production course, he is making the most of all work opportunities, “ says Blanka Mazimela, Head of Department at Boston.  Others include Vinny Da Vinci, DJ Christos and Liquideep. And of course Holly Rey!

Have you considered a career in music? Many people have a passion for music but believe that it is a hobby and that they will not be able to earn a living from it. Boston believes that including your passion in your career makes you more successful.  “Most budding musicians struggle to create a career in music. In order to create a music career, look into one of the qualifications available at Boston in the music industry”, says Blanka Mazimela, Head of Department at Boston.

Another successful Soul Candi Graduate is Neo ‘NayPalmNeo‘ Mahao, from Khumalo Valley in Katlehong. She spoke to us virtually, raving about the Soul Candi qualifcations.  “I am glad to be considered a successful graduate after the amazing time I had at SoulCandi. I truly consider SoulCandi to be a place where you go to musically thwasa, with some guidance and freedom to indulge in the art.  It brought people together, exposed a ton of potential, and is truly symbolic as a safe space for creatives and creative outlaws, and I’d be happy to answer some questions.”

Aside from free concerts, Boston advises students colleagues and employees to stick to a regular schedule and try continue with previous tasks and projects. “This virus has taught us all the importance of flexibility and adaptability” says Anne,” and Boston has made all necessary changes to keep our academic lives running smoothly!  We appreciate that this is a challenging time for all. Now more than ever, it is imperative to keep up with your studies from home and/or work. By focusing on your education, you are investing in yourself, and contributing to the critical human capital and leadership that will be required to move our country forward in the days and years that lie ahead.”

From the social media team, we just wanted to make that extra effort to avoid burnout when working or studying from home, and so we have organised the free concerts. Watch out for the next one featuring ‘Nizhe DeSoul’!