What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
Oh, my goodness . . . I am not a morning person. When the alarm clock goes off at 5:30 a.m., I rather want to pull the blankets over my head and just snuggle deeper in. But then reality check . . . get up, shower, brush my teeth, do my hair, make-up (which my hubby will say takes forever), drink coffee, get dressed, grab fruit and yogurt for lunch, and off I go for work to start my day at the office.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
The last thing that I read every night is my Bible; this gives me perspective as I believe we made it through another day with the grace of God. Waking up the following morning is not a given, but a blessing. God will protect us and keep us safe, and that gives me peace of mind. There is no greater book than the Bible.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Just be yourself. Stop worrying on how people see you or what people say about you. Remember that you matter.
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
We have two dining halls on our campus, as well as a staff restaurant. If I had to choose from the dining hall itself, it would be ribs and chips – sticky, sweet, and saucy ribs. If I had to choose from the staff restaurant, it would be the braised Oxtail with red wine jus, creamy mashed potatoes, and micro herbs.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
My husband was diagnosed in 2014 with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, which is high pressure within the skull caused by the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid. He is in constant pain 24/7. After a hectic day at the office, he will be the one to tell me to go and relax, and whilst not feeling well, he will cook dinner for us. He is my saving grace, my rock, and I am so thankful to have him in my life. He is making everything better at the end of the day, and for that, I am grateful.
What tool does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used one?
Communication. This is the most important tool, as it empowers to inspire, motivate, and guide. Communication is the heart of a successful team. One can thrive when there is seamless communication across all levels, from top management to frontline employees. I use communication as a tool on on a daily basis; it allows me to be professional in my work and personal environment, to express ideas and values, and to listen.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
My favorite classes were office practice, communication, information processing, and computer practice when completing my Management Assistant training. I also completed a Generic Management Certificate, and one of the modules focused on calculations and statistics. As I am not a mathematics genius, this assisted me greatly in learning more about finances and calculations.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
My ultimate favorite . . . to become a crime scene investigator or forensic pathologist. I am intrigued by crime, mystery, and investigation biographies, series, movies, and books. I also have a huge love for animals, from elephants, lions, dogs, cats to bunnies (but not insects and snakes). I would love to work with animals and travel the world and rescue animals to keep them safe from harm.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
I must say the friendship and support from my colleagues. Having informal, spur-of-the-moment decisions, to arrange for a quick small “braai” (barbeque) or pizzas on a Friday. We’ve got such a strong bond that we share in each other’s happiness, heartaches, and health. We care!
What song do you count on to hype you up to start the day or help you celebrate at the end of a long one?
I love music, especially from the 1980s, country, “Afrikaans,” and gospel – I literally listen to everything, except for heavy metal. But my go-to song for 2025 is “Praise the Lord” by Micah Tyler. No matter what is going to come our way, God has done so much for us; even when something bad has happened we still need to sing it, shout it, and lift our hands to praise the Lord.
Yvette Cloete is an officer of housing and residence affairs at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein in the Republic of South Africa. Would you like to see yourself or a colleague included in the Snapshot column? Complete the questions on this form or share the link with someone you think we should get to know better.