'Innovator', 'entrepreneur' and 'marketing specialist' are some of the words Patience Badze uses to describe herself. Patience is a Stellenbosch University (SU) alumna who currently lives in Canada. She is passionate about creating things and making them come to life through her experiences and skills. Viwe Benxa had the pleasure of asking Patience what her experience at Stellenbosch University meant for her and what brought her to Canada.

When did you graduate from Stellenbosch University and what did you study?

I graduated from SU in December 2015 with a Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management (KISM).

Why did you choose to study at Stellenbosch?

I had always wanted to study at SU even as an undergraduate, but I applied late and ended up attending another institution. Then, when I decided to do my master's degree, Stellenbosch turned out to be the only university that offered the programme I wanted, the MPhil in Information and Knowledge Management (MIKM). Life got in the way and I did not go all the way, but fortunately, I exited with my Postgraduate Diploma in Knowledge and Information Systems Management.

What was your favourite memory of your time at Stellenbosch?

I find it hard to pinpoint a favourite memory, as I had to attend block classes all week. For those weeks, my days were packed from 08:00 to 17:00. What I really enjoyed was the experience of meeting my grad-mates and, of course, the last evening of every session when we could let loose. This was all very responsible of course, but still a lot of fun.

If you were to have bunked a lecture, where would you have been instead of in class?

I could not afford to bunk a class, but I am pretty sure I would have been somewhere out in the sun with a good book (fiction) and possibly a cold craft beer, as wine makes me sleepy.

What brought you to Canada?

I think like most people, I saw an opportunity. After doing our research, as a family, we felt Canada would offer us more opportunities for our business and for our kids.

How long have you been there?

We landed in November of 2019, just in time for Covid!

Tell us a little about the work you do and what you enjoy about it.

I am a partner and Operations Director at the branding and design agency edgeBD Inc. I love the strategic part of my work where I get to conceptualise and plan for business and campaigns. Technically, I am not a creative, but I love being part of the creative process and seeing our plans being brought to life.

What is your home city/town/state/province?

We live in the suburban town of Oakville in Southern Ontario, about 40km from Toronto.

What is your favourite spot or place to go to where you live?

I might have an answer for that in 2022. Since we have landed, we have literally only been allowed outside for the basic things. I have not had a chance to explore and experience enough to decide what my favourite place is. However, I live in a neighbourhood with lots of parks and trails and I enjoy taking a walk there when the temperature is above zero degrees.

Living abroad, what do you miss most about South Africa?

So much – the food, the energy, the colours! There is a certain vibrancy about South Africa that you do not appreciate until you are not experiencing it. Then of course, all the family and friends that I left behind – I miss them.

What message would you like to share with future Maties who are in their final year at SU?

Start preparing for life after graduation. Do not wait until after graduation day to try and figure out what is next. Start building contacts and remember to network with people in your industry.