The moment I knew: a huge water balloon hurtled towards me – and he jumped in front of it
In her first year of university Chantelle Van Niekerk didn’t want a relationship. But then she met Rico, her intellectual and emotional equal
- Find more stories from The moment I knew series here
It was January 2003 and I was about to start my studies at the University of Johannesburg – and had officially sworn off relationships. I’d had two serious relationships in high school, both with older boys, where I felt I needed to change who I was in order to be with them. I was done trying to please others and saw university as my fresh start to be truly me.
The university had a start-of-the-year tradition – the campus residences would create and parade their floats for charity. My group was tasked with folding blommetjies vou (polystyrene-filled cellophane flowers) for our float, which was based on the Lord of the Rings movie.
Continue reading...Topics
-
The moment I knew: I was an activist out at sea – but all I wanted was to go home and marry Aaron
World - The Guardian - November 9 -
The moment I knew: after their first meeting, my young son hugged him goodbye – and didn’t want to let go
World - The Guardian - November 2 -
I knew I could have a stroke, but not at 31
Top stories - BBC News - October 29 -
A moment that changed me: I gave up my job – and found my self-esteem
World - The Guardian - November 6 -
A moment that changed me: I forgot about love – then found the man of my dreams
World - The Guardian - November 13 -
I left my husband after he raped me. Should I tell our daughter what happened? | Ask Philippa
World - The Guardian - October 27 -
He Thought He Knew Horses. Then He Learned to Really Listen.
Top stories - The New York Times - November 12
More from The Guardian
-
Cop29: Climate finance deal agreed but talks remain deeply divided
World - The Guardian - 16 minutes ago -
Masked gang broke into home of Conor McGregor accuser, Dublin court was told
World - The Guardian - 10 hours ago -
Andy Murray to coach Novak Djokovic for Australian Open
World - The Guardian - 7 hours ago -
‘We live in a climate of fear’: graphic novelist’s Elon Musk book can’t find UK or US publisher
World - The Guardian - 7 hours ago -
Trump picks Brooke Rollins to lead Department of Agriculture
World - The Guardian - 1 hour ago