Currently in her 3^rd year at UCT, studying Media & Politics, Old Girl, Alinaswe Lusengo (Class of 2018) has been focusing her passions into freelance writing, with one of her poems recently being published on “Button Poetry” YouTube channel. “Button Poetry” has over 1.3 million subscribers and is an American-based organisation dedicated to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for performance poetry. Alinaswe has also started a podcast titled, ‘Hectic’, with two of her friends where they speak about what it means to be young black women in South Africa.

Alinaswe is an Allan Gray Candidate Fellow so working with that fellowship also keeps her busy. She loves living in Cape Town and is often found performing yoga, reading a book or just enjoying the company of her friends, whom she loves dearly. Alinaswe dreams of a world where everyone can experience freedom.

It was lovely to catch up with this inspiring woman for this month’s Heart-to-Heart and we are so proud of what she has achieved since leaving St John’s D.S.G.

What did you love most about St John’s D.S.G? 

I loved the people that I got to meet at St John’s D.S.G., some of whom have become my best friends to this day. I also really loved the opportunities that I got there. I was able to explore so many parts of myself and learn so much about what I am capable of.

What does success mean to you and how did St John’s D.S.G. equip you for life after school?

Success means that you can look back on your decisions without any regret and that you feel content with the ways that you have existed in the world. More personally, this would mean creating a life that is not just in service of me but also in service of the greater good in the world. St John’s D.S.G. really taught me a lot about the importance of servant leadership, which has framed my idea of success. Being a termly boarder, I learnt a lot about independence and how to take care of myself, which has helped me immensely living away from home in Cape Town.

What advice do you have for our current girls and their families?

My advice to the current girls is to not let your time in Senior School slip away! Make sure you take advantage of absolutely every opportunity you have because a lot of those opportunities will not be so easily available after you leave. Make sure you enjoy your time with friends because as time goes on, it is so tough to keep in touch with everybody. And lastly, make sure you are taking care of yourself and prioritising your mental health. You cannot experience the joys that school can offer if you’re not at your best. Sending so much love to you all!