Third year Law student Caitlin Laing says if students embrace university life as a holistic experience of growth and learning, it could be a life-changing opportunity.

During Youth Month, we put the spotlight on eight members of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Choir – one from each voice group. Together with more than 100 other individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and fields of study, and under the leadership of conductor André van der Merwe, they inspire and transport audiences across the world with their unique sound.

Caitlin took a moment to answer a couple of questions about herself:

Tell us about yourself, and how it came about that you joined the choir.

I'm from East London, and I'm studying my third year in BA Law. Sinomtha Zake (who is also part of this project) and I used to dream with our high school music teachers that one day we would be able to sing in the Stellenbosch University Choir, and we were elated to be reunited when we both joined it in our second year of study.

What do you enjoy most about being in the choir? 

Singing in the choir demands intense discipline and sacrifice. My favourite part of it is when all of that hard work pays off in a performance that moves us as much as it does our audience – when the atmosphere that our voices create is almost tangible and when both the choir and our listeners are transported into a world that only music can create.

With Youth Day in mind, what is your message of hope for other young people?

Amidst the pressures and stresses of university life, my message of hope to other young people is that we aren't in control. Our lives have never been as unpredictable as they are now, but if we just shift our perspectives a little, there is so much beauty and joy to be found in uncertainty. Whether our studies feed our passion or are simply a means to an end, we have the chance to embrace university life as a holistic experience of growth and learning, and that in itself is a life-changing opportunity.

What is your favourite song at the moment?

A rendition of “Amazing Grace" by For King and Country, featuring Rebecca St James. A very hope-filled song indeed.