Mike Mokobi is the epitome of a successful rhodent in his first year. He has truly embraced the experiences of first year like no other and I am sure many of you reading this, either as close friends or acquaintances, will not hesitate to agree that there is definitely something very special about Mr Mokobi.
For those of you that don’t know Mike as more than just that really friendly guy that is always out having a great time with a silver lip ring and a huge smile on his face, this is for you and for those of you who know him well, this is a chance to remember just how awesome your friend is…
Michael Mokobi or ‘Uncle Mike’, as he is fondly known to some, is a born and bred Johannesburg local. He is not your average rhodent: although small in stature, he compensates in style. His short dreadlocks bounce up and down as he shows me his very unique “happy dance”, which is basically an uncoordinated and hilarious hop! Mike attended Jeppe Boy’s High School and it is no surprise that his high school experience was nothing short of successful. Although he did not have the easiest childhood, he was raised largely by his mother with whom he is extremely close.
The thing about Mike is that he has a way with words; he can not only talk his way out of any situation, he can talk his way into, around and across any situation. He is what I have termed: a “little philosopher” and he will capture your attention with his life philosophies about girls, friends, and relationships. (Ask him to explain the “friendship box” theory to you the next time you see him.) For any of you that have had the privilege of a famous “dmc” (deep and meaningful conversation) with Mike, you will know what I am talking about. He jokingly says that “a lot of people feel that they need to speak to me about their lives, and for some strange reason, I seem to always have the answers!”
I asked Mike if he could share some of his trade secrets for surviving first year at Rhodes and he was kind enough to share some of his wisdom in 7 easy steps:
I asked Mike if he could share some of his trade secrets for surviving first year at Rhodes and he was kind enough to share some of his wisdom in 7 easy steps:
Step 1: “Stick to your serenade partner, because they are the beginning of greatness.”
Step 2: “Come here with absolutely no expectations, because the more you choose to open your mind, the more opportunity you will see unfold.”
Step 3: “Give yourself a break, not everything is in your control.”
Step 4: “Smile at every girl you meet.” (Yes, Mike has one of those charmer smiles!)
Step 5: “Don’t cry about girls.”
Step 6: “Don’t even try to fit in, because people will misguide you.”
Step 7: “Work hard, play harder.”
Mike is about as simple as a conundrum to figure out. He is outgoing and crazy, but mature and reserved at the same time. Mike’s popularity and allegiance to the party was confirmed when he was chosen as Entertainment rep. for 2009 in Cullen Bowles and he promises to make 2009 just as legendary as 2008!
2 comments:
Hey Jovy-wovy
I see you and I had the same person in mind for the interview but evidently we took on different angles. While my take on Mike was him as prospective UN Ambassador, yours was him as a potential philosopher. One thing we did have in common, though, is the realization that Mike is destined for greatness.
Mike’s hardships have seemed drowned in your story as you only mentioned one negative aspect of his life once (when referring to his childhood). You as a writer obviously look for all the good in the telling of a story. This is a good trait but you must be careful as often the hardship overcome by a person emphasizes their triumph.
The environment of the interview seemed lost, but I can’t blame you in the presence of Mike. Mike seems like an inspiration to you through his “outgoing and crazy, but mature and reserved” ways. You are not alone.
Stay true
Big Sexy
The Profile was to me a very refreshing perspective into writing a narrative that dwells more on what other people think about the Mike. From the first sentences you as the writer captured me and kept me intrigued about the Mikeand what his life story was about. The only problem that I had with the profile is that theyou did not go much into detail about his life story and his journey in coming to Rhodes and how he has grown from his experiences here at Rhodes. But I will acknowledge that the fact that you picked up that one unique aspect about Mike and expanded on it was very intuitive and clever of you because it did make the profile that more exiting and intriguing.
According to Todorovs structure, I would say that there are a few identifiable characters in this narrative. Mike stands out as the hero and that could coincide with what was mentioned in him being able to solve peoples problem. Other wise all in all a very refreshing profile.
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