THE name of Geavan Ruiters, a Uitenhager born and bred, will be written in history books of the University of the Free State, as he became the first Coloured in House Abraham Fischer residence’s 113 years of existence, being elected Primarius.
To add to this milestone, Geavan, who is amongst the top performing 15% academic achievers at UFS, received recognition from the Golden Key Society. Membership into this international society is by invitation only.
Geavan this year did his third year B.Ed. Senior Phase and FET degree at UFS. “It is a profession I always had in mind, but I did not really think I would do it. This was until my mother (Amelia Fischer) applied for me to study this degree,” said Geavan.
“Six months into my first year, I fell in love with my studies. That’s when I found my passion for my forthcoming profession, to become an educator.”
On being elected as the first Coloured Primarius of House Abraham Fischer, Geavan said: “It still is a surreal feeling to me and a concept that I haven’t yet grasped fully. I am very different from all my predecessors and feel honoured and privileged that the house members entrusted me with the position of being their Primarius. I clearly have already done something memorable that they will remember me for.
“My legacy that I would like to leave behind as the Primarius, is to build a house that has an inclusive culture and promotes transformation. A culture that is representative of every member of the house.”
Geavan’s favourite quote that he lives by is of Les Brown, an American motivational speaker, saying: “I’d rather aim high and miss, than aim low and hit.”
Change is inevitable and some of the positive changes that Geavan would like to see in South Africa include more job creation, increasing the fight against poverty and unemployment and better-quality education.
“Most important, I would like our country to improve in all its facets.”
This Geavan said would be possible if the young generation are “passionate about what they do to help bring along change. Of course, there will be times where you do not want to wake up and do your part. This is where your passion should kick-in to then contribute in the change we so desperately need in our country.”
As a student to succeed in your studies, he said one must continuously remind yourself of why you are doing what you do and use that as your motivation to keep on pushing, as education is the key towards a successful future.
“One should also always strive towards a healthy balance between academics, social life, physical well-being, mental health and spiritual life.”
Uitenhage is where Geavan’s roots are. He is an alumnus from Dalrose Primary, Daleview Primary, Albertyn Primary and Brandwag high school.
“I really love Uitenhage and to me it always will be home, no matter where life will take me. I will always have a soft spot for Uitenhage in my heart.”
Geavan said he would like to thank his mother for always being there for them and physically supporting them in everything they did.
“Thank you for always being there for us. Fulfilling the roles of our mother and father, laying a good foundation and doing everything for us to get quality education. My mother truly is my inspiration.”
