Annually, at the start of the first semester, the Department of Forest and Wood Science in the faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University hosts a 'First Year Braai.' The purpose of the event is to officially welcome the Department's first years, providing an environment in which they can connect with their peers, seniors, lecturers, and forest-related organizations in South Africa. The students received an opportunity to ask questions to clear up any fog they might have with regards to their degree and the forestry industry through interacting with the lecturers who joined in on the fun, including Prof. Bruce Talbot, the Department's most likable Head.
The event took place on the 3rd of March at the Department, Paul Sauer Building, and was organized by the Stellenbosch Forestry Students' Association (SFSA) with support from the Department, most especially the Department's Secretary, Vanessa du Plessis. Also in attendance this year were delegates from forest-related organizations which include SAPPI, York and Merensky, and colleagues of the Department from abroad, namely Spain and Italy.
The students enjoyed an evening filled with games, most of which promoted fostering a relationship among the first years, as they are going to be with each other for this journey. There was also music and of course, the most important item on the agenda of any event, food!
Such events are extremely beneficial for the first year students, as they assist them in transitioning from high school to tertiary education as smoothly as possible and creates an atmosphere in which the students can freely hold discussions with both professors and seniors in the form of the SFSA.
The SFSA appreciates the employees and professors at Stellenbosch University's Department of Forest and Wood Science for their unwavering support.
