S. Sithole 44926987 

My networks dynamics . 

I come from a polygamous family which would mean I have quite a large family. I have different relationships with my family members and they all play a different but important roles in my life. I don't really have a large circle of friends but the ones I have is just as important as a huge circle of friends would have been. I have a sense of belonging when I'm around my this network. I feel loved and valued. I cope with my challenges better when I'm around them. My friends were a part of my mental health journey when I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 16. They had no idea how they would help and be there for me because of the little knowledge they had on the mental conditions. They took their time to learn while hurrying to be there for me. Same with my family, I was the first person to openly discuss and disclose my mental ailments and soon after that all the family members who were suffering in silence also stepped forward and got support as I did. We taught one another about the conditions and became each other's support systems.

Another instance was when I was in my matric. I always felt overwhelmed because of the academic pressure and people's expectations of me. My family reassured me that I was doing fine, at the correct pace and whatever outcome I'd get, they would always be proud of me. My friends were also in matric so we formed a study group and we would study together. Whoever understood a certain subject better would teach it. We each had roles we had to play and everyone benefited from our network.

My move from Gauteng to North West for school meant leaving everyone I knew, my networks and my comfort place. That meant I had to start afresh and build a new network in close proximity. That proved to be a little hard because of the cultural differences and backgrounds. I struggled a lot to fit in and maneuver my way around, but when I finally could, things became easier. I finally had a new circle of friends, a new network. I finally had people I could ask for help from. People whom I could help in times of need and rest assured knowing I have people looking out for me. Kinship networks make this difficult life somehow seem easier. I won't ever forget to submit assignments in time because I have people to remind me to. I will never get left behind because of the networks I have created. Networks filled with love, trust and honesty.