Kandi Grey, Grade 12
UWCSA (Waterford)
The campus of Waterford Kamhlaba is overlooked by two hills, Tom and Kelly, named after the farmer that the land had previously belonged to. These hills, more giant pieces of granite, have stood the test of time, have witnessed the changes that our school has been through. Felt the pitter-patter of numerous feet of students, staff, and our other four-legged members of our community. Those hills have seen the laughter and hugs, the good and the bad, the cries and yells of our community. And they will continue to watch over us.
I had never noticed before. These giant hills that stood behind the school until one of my teachers pointed them out to me. It never occurred to me to look before she told me to open my eyes. I call her teacher in this article. She was there for me in my younger years at Waterford, and I remember her now. I still think about what she said to me about those hills.
This will be my seventh year at WK, as our school has younger forms, beginning all the way in Form 1, with energetic 12-year olds all the way to our IB2’s. And throughout my journey, Tom and Kelly have been through it all with me. I make it a point to climb each one at least once a year. Kelly rests within the perimeters of the school, and Tom lies outside the fence. Climbing Kelly is probably the easier of the two, with several winding pathways leading to the top, the school fence preventing any wayward strays from leaving or entering the property. Tom is a slightly more invigorating climb outside the fence, looping up and around the back, and eliciting a half-hour walk to the top for the speedier of walkers.
We are made to climb both hills throughout various activities in the school, at some point or another. Whether it’s during a vigorous science lesson, or a gruelling PE session, or during a community service, where there are alien plants which need to be kept under control. Though, sitting at the top of either of those hills always has us gazing out over the view of our school, the spread of the Mbabane city, and rolling hills in every direction that you can see. A glimpse of the famous Sibebe Rock.
A distinct memory for me is one walking up Kelly at 6.30 in the morning with one of my closest friends, and meeting up with the teacher. We all sat up there, feeling the crisp morning breeze and admiring the rising sun. However, everything has to come down eventually, and as we made our way down the hillside path, my teacher made us stop as a particular part, where there is just a solid wall of rock. She said, “Place your hands on this rock and give thanks. It has been here way before either of your girls were here, and it’ll be here way after we have left.”
I know that climbing Tom and Kelly is unique to Waterford, but that feeling that nothing lasts forever, whether you’re at a UWC for only two years, or you’re a staff member, or someone who has experienced the lower school at WK, or Singapore, or any of the UWC’s. We’ve created a family, one that will continue to grow, and it’s important to take a step back from all of the life that we get to experience, and just admire the view from above every now and then. And that there are witnesses to it all, even if they don’t breathe.
I had never noticed before. These giant hills that stood behind the school until one of my teachers pointed them out to me. It never occurred to me to look before she told me to open my eyes. I call her teacher in this article. She was there for me in my younger years at Waterford, and I remember her now. I still think about what she said to me about those hills.
This will be my seventh year at WK, as our school has younger forms, beginning all the way in Form 1, with energetic 12-year olds all the way to our IB2’s. And throughout my journey, Tom and Kelly have been through it all with me. I make it a point to climb each one at least once a year. Kelly rests within the perimeters of the school, and Tom lies outside the fence. Climbing Kelly is probably the easier of the two, with several winding pathways leading to the top, the school fence preventing any wayward strays from leaving or entering the property. Tom is a slightly more invigorating climb outside the fence, looping up and around the back, and eliciting a half-hour walk to the top for the speedier of walkers.
We are made to climb both hills throughout various activities in the school, at some point or another. Whether it’s during a vigorous science lesson, or a gruelling PE session, or during a community service, where there are alien plants which need to be kept under control. Though, sitting at the top of either of those hills always has us gazing out over the view of our school, the spread of the Mbabane city, and rolling hills in every direction that you can see. A glimpse of the famous Sibebe Rock.
A distinct memory for me is one walking up Kelly at 6.30 in the morning with one of my closest friends, and meeting up with the teacher. We all sat up there, feeling the crisp morning breeze and admiring the rising sun. However, everything has to come down eventually, and as we made our way down the hillside path, my teacher made us stop as a particular part, where there is just a solid wall of rock. She said, “Place your hands on this rock and give thanks. It has been here way before either of your girls were here, and it’ll be here way after we have left.”
I know that climbing Tom and Kelly is unique to Waterford, but that feeling that nothing lasts forever, whether you’re at a UWC for only two years, or you’re a staff member, or someone who has experienced the lower school at WK, or Singapore, or any of the UWC’s. We’ve created a family, one that will continue to grow, and it’s important to take a step back from all of the life that we get to experience, and just admire the view from above every now and then. And that there are witnesses to it all, even if they don’t breathe.
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