By: Lance Myburgh
It was a moment that marked both an ending and a beginning. When Tanaka January held his student card for the first time, he felt the culmination of years of effort, setbacks, and growth. "It gave me the idea of the end of a roller coaster of a journey and the beginning of, I hope, something great," he confirmed. That small card symbolised more than registration; it was a tangible reminder that resilience and support can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Tanaka's journey to Rhodes University has been anything but linear. Born and raised in a bustling household with seven family members, he learned early how to navigate communal spaces and shared responsibilities. "There have been a lot of people, so I'm used to communal spaces, and I learned a lot through that," he reflected. Now living with his grandparents, he carries with him the lessons of patience, adaptability, and determination that shaped his early life.
His academic path mirrored the challenges of his personal life. After completing high school at Mary Waters, Tanaka faced his first major setback: a rejection letter. It was demoralising, shaking his confidence and leaving him questioning the future. But it was through GADRA, the pre-university programme that bridges students into higher education, that Tanaka rediscovered his drive. Here, mentorship played a pivotal role, particularly in the guidance of Mrs Lauren Hacksley. "It's never over when you lose; it's over when you give up," she reminded him, a phrase that became his mantra. With her support, Tanaka re-engaged with his studies, gained confidence, and ultimately found his place at Rhodes.
GARDRA's focus on holistic growth did more than prepare Tanaka academically. It taught him to approach challenges as opportunities and to view education as a tool for understanding the world rather than simply memorising it. "You no longer focus on what the problems of the world are. You focus on how to fix the problems of the world," he explained. This mindset has informed his ambitions, fostering a sense of responsibility not only for his own success but also for the broader social impact of his work.
Tanaka's approach to learning also reflects a broader ethos at Rhodes University, where research is not confined to the lab or the classroom. Instead, it serves the common good, addressing societal challenges and equipping students to make tangible contributions to their communities. Tanaka recognises that the guidance he received, coupled with the opportunity to learn in a research-focused environment, has given him the tools to affect positive change.
Looking ahead, Tanaka is focused on growth and exploration. His immediate priority is to embrace university life, balancing academics with self-discovery fully. "I plan to have as much fun as possible, at least for the first year," he confirmed. But alongside this, he has clear academic ambitions: a master's degree in politics and an honours degree in philosophy. These goals, he hopes, will prepare him to contribute meaningfully to the political sphere and to broader societal debates, carrying forward the problem-solving ethos he cultivated at GADRA.
Through it all, Tanaka remains self-aware and reflective. He describes himself as "responsible, creative, and achievement-minded." While he thrives in one-on-one interactions, he finds group dynamics challenging; he navigates them with thoughtfulness and curiosity. These personal insights reveal a student who is not just academically capable but attuned to his own growth and potential impact.
Tanaka's story is a testament to the power of mentorship and supportive learning environments. It illustrates how Rhodes University, through programmes like GADRA and a research-focused approach, nurtures students who are resilient, socially conscious, and solution-driven. For funders and partners, Tanaka's journey is an example of what investment in education and research can achieve: the creation of leaders equipped to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to a better society.
As Tanaka reflects on his journey, he is mindful of the lessons learned and the chapters yet to come. "I've got to keep going, keep growing, and keep getting better," he says. And with the foundation built at Rhodes, it is evident that his story is only just beginning.