One of the 'committed' few.
Struan Fletcher Goss is just one of the many first years studying a Business Commerce degree at Rhodes University, attempting to juggle his crazy social life with a course that can be extremely demanding at the worst of times. However, what distinguishes this bright, Kearsney old boy from the rest of the pack is his ability to maintain a loving, long-distance relationship throughout his first year of University – an almost unrivalled feat here at Rhodes. Struan is not one to conform to immature stereotypes or any pressure from his peers and ensuring direct eye contact simply says that, “it isn’t a difficult thing to do when you really love somebody.” An air of contentment lingers behind his expression, as though he sincerely understands his words.
Born and raised in Kloof, Durban, Struan has always been a team player. He began hosting parties in his home town at the tender age of 16, which after a while made his name somewhat notorious amongst the Durban locals. Otherwise known as ‘that dude who throws the most awesome parties in Kloof’ or ‘that guy whose Dad I wanna be like when I grow up’, Struan has recruited many a convert into what he likes to call his ‘Struan Goss for president’ campaign. Incognito, the campaign acts basically as a scapegoat for those Facebook users who are confident in Struan’s ability as an individual, and are simultaneously unsure as to what to put under ‘Political Views’ in their personal information. “Struan really is class, through and through,” says Michele Cuneo, one of his high school best friends and campaign converts, with a chuckle that reminisces good times.
It was at one of these unforgettable parties of his that he first met his current girlfriend, Elaine. Now, 13 months later, they are still going strong, despite attempts made by many of the girls here at Rhodes to get their claws into him in the absence of his high school sweetheart. But Struan simply isn’t interested, and with a shrug of his shoulders dismisses the topic entirely. “It’s just not gonna happen, it’s that simple,” the tone of his voice bringing the conversation to an abrupt halt. But after a few seconds of deep contemplation clearly visible on his face, he decides to continue, “Look, I can understand why you see this aspect of my life to be interesting, but what I’m trying to say is that it’s really not that difficult for me, things like this shouldn’t be made complicated,” an echo of contentment momentarily reappearing in his smiling eyes.
As for his degree, Struan is well on his way to passing his first year with flying colours, and has survived his first year in style by all accounts. “The key is to remain as balanced as possible in work and play, which I think I have done fairly well. I know it’s been more difficult for other people who have been in situations that involve the opposite sex, but I guess I have just been lucky to have avoided them.” He says this with a charming wink, turning what would otherwise be a ‘moment of empathetic understanding’ into a situation in which a person would struggle not to laugh. “Struan has always been like that,” says his sister Cayley with an affectionate smile, “he’ll always say something that you know is genuine, but for some reason you still just can’t help laughing.”
Peace out,
Damien
It was at one of these unforgettable parties of his that he first met his current girlfriend, Elaine. Now, 13 months later, they are still going strong, despite attempts made by many of the girls here at Rhodes to get their claws into him in the absence of his high school sweetheart. But Struan simply isn’t interested, and with a shrug of his shoulders dismisses the topic entirely. “It’s just not gonna happen, it’s that simple,” the tone of his voice bringing the conversation to an abrupt halt. But after a few seconds of deep contemplation clearly visible on his face, he decides to continue, “Look, I can understand why you see this aspect of my life to be interesting, but what I’m trying to say is that it’s really not that difficult for me, things like this shouldn’t be made complicated,” an echo of contentment momentarily reappearing in his smiling eyes.
As for his degree, Struan is well on his way to passing his first year with flying colours, and has survived his first year in style by all accounts. “The key is to remain as balanced as possible in work and play, which I think I have done fairly well. I know it’s been more difficult for other people who have been in situations that involve the opposite sex, but I guess I have just been lucky to have avoided them.” He says this with a charming wink, turning what would otherwise be a ‘moment of empathetic understanding’ into a situation in which a person would struggle not to laugh. “Struan has always been like that,” says his sister Cayley with an affectionate smile, “he’ll always say something that you know is genuine, but for some reason you still just can’t help laughing.”
Peace out,
Damien
