Colourful future!

"Dreams do come true," says 21-year old Chrizaan Crous, graduate of Prestige Academy who always wanted to start her own business.
She is currently working for herself and does independent contracts for companies. She graduated in 2015 from Prestige Academy with a BA in Visual Arts, Visual Communication Design Degree.
As part of her practical work experience for Prestige Academy she volunteered in her second year at Alta du Toit aftercare centre for down syndrome patients. Seeing the need for a colouring-in books for these patients Chrizaan decided to design her own colouring-in book.
"They touched me and gave me more love than you could imagine. I wanted to do something for all the down syndrome patients at Alta du Toit aftercare centre".
The book has made a difference in the lives of these patients and those with disabilities, Crous says.
"To help others by being creative is my dream. Helping those who are challenged is an honour."
Her book will be available to the public later this year so make sure that you get a copy. For more information contact the Alta du Toit aftercare centre on Tel. 021 913 2106. 
Prestige Academy is proud to have Chrizaan Crous as one of our graduates!

Success = Failure

Success = Failure

It might be true that success starts with failure.

From my point of view, I have read various Blogs and articles truly amusing me with the success life brings. But isn’t it true that success starts with failure? I bet you it does, however ‘we humans’ don’t act like it. 

When our boo-boos watches us like a hawk, staring us in the face, we tend to get so offensive, take it personal or get upset and we actually miss out on the goodness of failing (yes, I just said that). 

Here is the chance to get over our ever-so-popular egos, put our feet on planet earth and come back with a solution and an approach that will make us so much stronger.

So let’s fail a bit. Why, you might still think… okay here is your eye opener: You will get the opportunity to fix that mistake instead of getting it right the first time. The bigger the mistake the better trial and error session, equals amazing growth. We will get to expose our ideas. Sure not all our ideas are guaranteed to work however your approach should be more like this “failure is common.”

Seek a learning curve and not the easy way out, trust me… eventually you will know it all, making yourself the #1 go to person and the absolute challenge we can all learn from. 

(Written by Amelia Blom)

Easter Egg Drive 2016

We have managed to collect 800 Easter egg donations.

We dropped off the Easter eggs at The Alta du Toit Aftercare Centre: A safe haven where adults with intellectual disability can live and work.

Linda, the caretaker and organiser showed us around the Workshop, where we saw how some people with intellectual disabilities pack 29000 goodie bags for the 2 Oceans Marathon, some orthopedic products as well as packages for shopping centres.

She also showed us the knitting room, where we met some very friendly ladies, the washing room and the hair salon (this was quite cute as everyone gets an opportunity to go to the salon, once a week, to get a special haircut, blow-dry and wash).

The highlight of the day was where we got to meet the ever-so-popular Alta, from where the Alta du Toit centre was named after.  This was a massive honour an joy to meet her.

George Gordon, manager of the centre invited us to their next dance social.

A very popular project which we will take part in would be the “Tekkie dag” / Casual day where we will sell shoelaces as well as stickers. All proceeds will go to Alta du Toit. More information will be provided soon.

For more information on Alta du Toit: http://marketing4197.wix.com/altadutoit#!about-us/ceu8

8 Study Tips

Tips on studying

When studying make sure that you have the following:

-          - A quiet environment

-          - Good light

-          - 30 minutes studying and 10 minute breaks

-          - An energising healthy snack

-          - Lots of water

-         -  Highlighters to highlight important phrases

-         -  Switch your cell phone off

-          - Relaxing during breaks with some classical music

Following just these few simple steps will help you concentrate better and improve your study methods. 

7 Reasons to smash the gym in the AM

7 Reasons to smash the gym in the AM

For some the mornings are the best time of the day. I believe it’s because the sun is up and the birdies are chirping and it sets the start of a new day.

For the rest of the biosphere, nonetheless, getting yourself to open your eyes, moving your leg and leaving that o, so very comfy bed, will be impossible to physically move a muscle in the first place, however, if you want your lifestyle to change, the snooze button needs to go!

Wondering why? Here are 7 proper reasons…

Reason #1:

Your mind will be in a healthy vibe

If you gym in the AM, your mental state changes. Face it, you will be a lot more conscious of what you are going to put into that lovely body during the day, after you’ve hit the gym in the AM, than normally.

Reason #2:

Less Caffeine needed

Your need for liquid / coffee will be a lot less as it would’ve decreased as you got your boost in for the day. Sure you would still drink a cup or two, but to gym in the AM has already given you that mental clarity that you have got ‘that’ boost in for the day.

Reason #3:

Privacy people, privacy…

To push your body and fitness to the next level, you will need all the time you can get in the gym. No more sitting on the bench or waiting in queues for the treadmill… so get to the gym whilst everyone is fast asleep. LOL Now you can also avoid that frustrating convo’s with that 1 guy who wants to chat while you want to get fit.

Reason #4:

Ready for work/class…trust me

To top it all off, you will find yourself being more healthy-minded and confident. You will most definitely be ready for that ‘very-quick’ meeting after you have hit the gym, gotten all fresh and ate your healthy meal, so bring it on!

Reason #5:

Night time = Me time

On Fridays or even during the week, your family and friends are not always understanding your workout routines. Ever hear, “just this one time…”? I believe so, therefore you are super obliged and go with them alongside your guilt trip. Now you can crash your gym sessions in the mornings and socialise in the evenings. Maybe even spend time doing that “nothing session” at home after a long class / work day.

Reason #6:

You will stick with it… guaranteed

The me-time fun is not necessarily the only reason why you might skip gym. Factually there are a lot of things that can cross your road in the evenings that you didn’t bargained for, e.g. a class test tomorrow, working late, etc.. So… Want to meet those fitness goals you’ve said at New Year’s dinner? Get up and get going… otherwise you might have to repeat yourself at the end of the year.

Reason #7:

Can’t you hear that? Your body just thanked you…

For your body to perform and feel at its peak, there’s a lot that must go right. You will feel a lot more energised for the day should you get into your AM routine even if you are not a morning person now. After eating that early breakfast as well, your metabolism will get started with you.

RISE and SHINE PEOPLE! 

Referencing Workshop 2016

Prestige Academy's annual Referencing Workshop was conducted by Mrs Burger (Prestige Academy lecturer) on Wednesday, 10 February 2016.  

The workshop is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to source information at tertiary level. “The event had a very positive turnout and I am looking forward to organise more academic related workshops,” says Dimitri Gomes – Deputy Chairperson and Head of the Academic portfolio of the Student Representative Council.

The next event on the Academic portfolio will be the Quiz night. For more info, ask any SRC member, view notice boards or keep your eyes on our Facebook page. 

The wheels of the bus go round and round, all the way to Villiersdorp!

Not knowing where you are going to go is a scary thought when the location of the first year camp is a surprise.
The first year students waited anxiously at Prestige Academy's campus to get into the buses and take a ride all the way to Villiersdorp. 

Scared looks were shared as these brave hearts crawled, one by one, onto the mammoth vehicles, never to return the same...

After most of the first year students called dibs on the best beds, bonded with their fellow strangers and applied coats of sunscreen they were split into groups with inspirational alcoholic beverage names, eg. Papsak. 

Those elite groups chanted their war-cries like wolves and conquered gruelling obstacles like Spartans, created banners that would make the Mona Lisa cry and master the acquired skills of 'boere' sports. 

The most delectable lunch was served, even to those who are vegetarian and the o-so-willing-and-awesome Student Representative Council prepared for the entertainment at the Mountain Hall. Larry Soffer, the mentalist, ooo'd and aaa'd the audience and left everyone amazed. 

Late nigh coffee and everyone dozed off. Little did they know what would be in store for the next day! 
After breakfast (to sustain those hungry students for a while) the second session of the boeresport kicked off. Exhausted the students still enjoyed every second. 
The Tequila Team won Tug of War and exactly at 15:00 the pool was packed like sardines. Mr. & Miss SOS Wild Box took place where one guy and one girl participated in a modelling competition. But wait..this was no ordinary competition. They had to dress as the opposite gender.

The day ended off with a stokbraai. For those of you who do not know what that is..it's the most delicious piece of bread you will ever have..big fires and a piece of doe on a stick. Camping style! 

Throughout the rest of the evening the sky was filled with the sounds of drums as students took part in a drumming session and played music. 
For the best "Gees" the Archers team received their trophy. The best banner went to Amarula. Best team at the obstacle course was Papsak and best at the boeresport was Mampoer. 

It was an unforgettable experience and students shared their favourite moments and pictures on our social media pages. Thanks to all who made this weekend possible! 

Much Love, 
Prestige Academy.