Taking responsibility

Chad was ten years old when his mother died. Chad’s father worked long hours in order to provide for him and his sister, Chloe, 5. Chad was tasked with taking care of his sister during those times his father was working. He helped her dress for pre-school; he packed her lunch; he reminded her to brush her teeth and to pack a costume and towel on fun-day at school during summer. He did the same for himself.

He was a bright, hard-working youngster who understood the need, despite his young years, to take responsibility for himself.

And then there was Jane. Jane grew up in a home where she wanted for nothing. Her parents had a full-time domestic worker and gardener. Financially, her mother did not need to work, and so she stayed at home, preferring to care for Jane. She made her lunch, packed her school clothes, helped her do her homework, fetched her friends, organised her birthday parties and almost every other aspect of her life.

Both Chad and Jane came to university.

Chad sailed through his first year, working hard and completing his assignments. Jane did not. In fact she failed to even finish her first year. Without her mother to pick up the pieces and take responsibility for her daughter, Jane was unable to cope. She had never learnt how to take responsibility for herself – or for others.

Taking responsibility is one of NMMU’s six core values.

Regardless of our circumstances prior to reaching university, it is critical that we take responsibility. Failure to do so may lead us to be like Jane.

Jane had never had to take responsibility. Her mother had always done it for her and she had been unable to cope by herself.

At university – as in life – students are encouraged to take responsibility. From getting to lectures to meeting assignment deadlines, the responsibility lies with them. But taking responsibility goes further … we’re also being asked to take responsibility for others and for our environment.

A big ask?

If a friend has had too much to drink, surely it’s our responsibility to ensure they don’t drive. Similarly, if we see that others are destroying property or natural resources, it’s our responsibility to report that behaviour.

But that’s my take … let’s rather hear from Generation Y, and some NMMU students as to why taking responsibility is their favourite value:

· My favourite NMMU value is taking responsibility. NMMU allows students to take their education and prosperity into their own hands. It teaches students that each individual’s life is their own responsibility, which prepares students for the trials of life.

· Every choice we make has a consequence attached to it, and with that consequence there is some form of responsibility. This value reminds me to take responsibility for the choices I make.

· I like responsibility because success is your own responsibility.

· If each person takes responsibility your goals will be achieved.

· It is vital for leaders to take responsibility, in order to move a group or even a nation forward.

· Responsibility includes being accountable, for the positive and the negative. By taking responsibility for yourself, others and your environment, you will be able to move closer to success and hopefully act as a role model to others in the process.

· Taking responsibility is the most important value and characteristic an individual can have because I believe we are responsible for ourselves, our actions, attitudes and ultimately, the way we live and what we chose to do with our lives. In a way, responsibility ties all the other NMMU values together because we need to be responsible for adopting ubuntu, showing respect for both diversity and the environment, achieving excellence and having integrity. As an NMMU student, it is my responsibility to uphold all the values this institution has.

· This value emphasises the responsibility that every South African has to create meaningful change in their communities.

· All our actions have consequences, whether good or bad, and we must take responsibility for those actions.

· By taking responsibility you won’t be so quick to repeat your mistakes.

· I believe that this is a good value because you should always take responsibility for your actions and be prepared for the consequences that come from every decision you make.

· If you learn to take responsibility for the good and bad, then you can either learn from the bad or acknowledge the good.

· Taking responsibility. In order to adhere to any of the other values, we must first look at ourselves and decide how we can move forward and make situations better. If we cannot take responsibility for our own actions, thoughts and lives, how do we expect others to do the same?

· Taking responsibility is about living honourably, being accountable for your behaviour and being dependable when you have things to do.

What’s your favourite value?