July: Emma-Jo April Arendse (12 ALPHA )

I completed the course in 2012, as part of the 12 Alpha group of young ladies. I started the journey because at age of 17 in 2011, I was a University dropout, I had fallen into depression and was seeking something to bring purpose in my life again. I applied to Chrysalis Academy, went through the recruitment process and started in May 2012. During all the phases of the course, I gradually opened up and became more confident in myself and connected more with my peers, instructors and CA staff.

I learnt that it takes certain experiences in order for one to know the power of having confidence. Confidence is something that increases your inner drive to do more. After some time, I began sharing my gifts with the rest of the group through singing, dancing and Gospel Rap. I enjoyed every moment of being part of 12 Alpha because I stepped into the Academy with a desire to become a better version of myself, to break the yolk of my insecurities and to become a good citizen of my country. That desire came true and I am still living a positive life.

Education is one thing that no one can take away from you and I can still remember what I was taught at Chrysalis Academy; structure, respect, discipline, dedication and so many other valuable lessons that have impacted who I am. The routine of our daily activities, classes, meal breaks and responsibilities embedded so much discipline in me that I continue to implement in my life. Things like waking up early, preparing myself mentally and spiritually for the day, making up my bed, eating, planning my day and executing it. I also still do physical training because it helps me cope with the daily challenges of adult life which are necessary to make sure that we grow. I completed the Fire Fighting course during the Chrysalis program and it taught me many life lessons. The First Aid Level 3 course and the importance of knowing what to do in emergencies, also opened my eyes. It was because of that course that I was able to react and respond in some minor emergencies and I was proud to be able to help.

After graduation I was part of the Safety in Schools project at a high school in my small town Atlantis. I then worked as a Seasonal Play Leader at a Sports Hub in Atlantis for City of Cape Town and worked every School holiday for almost a year. I also started studying Tourism at Northlink College, and after graduation I worked in the Tourism industry for almost 4 years. I also toured South Africa with ATKV Crescendo as a singer, rapper, song writer and performer. I then decided to pursue something different and currently do online tutorials on spray painting and acrylic painting. I am currently doing Art as commission work and selling my paintings under my business Art By EJay which I love doing. But I missed working with children, so I applied to work as an Afterschool Game changer at a primary school in Atlantis. Since April 2019 I have worked with the City of Cape Town EPWP Afterschool Game changer project. I have been moved to a sports hub this year and I am a practitioner focusing on teaching basic Art, creative writing and teaching dance. I know that everyone has their own journey and I had to trust mine. Even if it takes me a bit longer, I want to spend time getting to know myself, my limitations, strength and short comings, and having self-awareness. It means, I must discover my purpose and know what I should do in order to fulfill the vision for my life. Life is only as beautiful as you make it. It’s green where you water it and if you take care of yourself, if you look good; you feel good. I salute Chrysalis Academy and the work they did and the great impact they have in my life.

During this pandemic, I urge my fellow graduates to wear their masks, sanitize regularly and keep their physical distance. Much Love