Health Science Reviews

by Solyle Frankle

As I reflect upon this year in Medical Science Honours, I cannot help but reflect on the very mantra that got me into this postgraduate program in the first place: “I can, I will, I must”.

a) I can

Upon the beginning of this course, I quickly felt overwhelmed. Hours long of “revision” content from the general techniques course, followed by an intense introduction to our course-specific techniques quickly opened my eyes to what the working year would look like- and it was certainly looking jam-packed. The anxiety that accompanied being overwhelmed left me feeling like I couldn’t cope. This is where I was wrong. I could. I made friends in my stream, I reached out to lecturers for support and advice, and continued to push myself despite this. After many weeks of “faking it ‘til I make it” I eventually felt the feeling of “I CAN do this!” and was able to push through and really throw myself into my academic work.

b) I will

Consistency is something that is crucial in making this honours program bearable. If you continuously show up for yourself, for your peers and for your lecturers, you will be able to succeed. Alongside this, it is vital to show up with a willingness and eagerness to learn. Long hours of working through Module lectures, and then having to study for a test or assignment becomes incredibly tiring and monotonous. But dedication and discipline instil the consistency you need to push you to the finish line. By being consistent, I realised that I would indeed be able to get through the program and my last bit of course work.

c) I must

The exam period was probably the most challenging of all. Having to write so many exams on such complex topics was incredibly testing. What got me through this was that there was no other option, but to simply persevere. This was the final push. After this I would never have to write an exam ever again, and I could focus on my own personal work (my thesis) which was really important to me. Every single day of studying was difficult, but by telling myself that this is something I simply must do to get that degree certificate at the end, made it easier.

As I begin to write up my thesis, I find myself whispering these words to myself once more. “I can, I will, I must”. At the end of the day, you are the one that puts in all the hours of work. You are the one that puts in the time, and sacrifice. And you will be the one that celebrates becoming a Medical Scientist at the end of it. There is nothing you cannot do, even if it doesn’t necessarily feel like that sometimes. Be strong and remember that you have got this!