Health Science Reviews

by Luyanda Cebekhulu

Reflecting on my honours experience, it was quite different from what I initially expected. There were moments when I believed I had all the time in the world, only to realize that time was slipping away faster than I could have imagined. It’s a reminder that time is a precious resource, and it’s essential to make the most of every moment.

One of the most valuable aspects of this journey has been the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know individuals who share similar interests and passions. These like- minded individuals have not only enriched my academic experience but have also become a source of inspiration and support. Their presence has made this journey more enjoyable and meaningful. While the road to achieving honours has been challenging and at times unexpected, it has also been a rewarding and transformative experience. It has pushed me to stretch my limits, to think critically, and to persevere in the face of obstacles. I’ve learned that growth often occurs outside of one’s comfort zone, and this journey has certainly taken me out of mine.

Looking back, I can say that I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I also recognize that there is always room for improvement. This experience has taught me the value of time management, setting realistic goals, and staying focused on the bigger picture. It has also reinforced the importance of surrounding myself with supportive and motivated individuals who can help me stay on track. As I move forward from this honours experience, I carry with me not only the knowledge and skills I’ve gained but also a sense of gratitude for the people who have been a part of this journey. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, and I am determined to continue growing, learning, and making the most of every moment.

By Danielle Naicker

Change by dictionary definition refers to the process of transitioning from one form or situation to another. When it came to doing my honours this year it meant choosing between one university that was on the opposite end of the country and another that was a 10-minute drive away. The decision wasn’t easy, it took hours of making pros and con lists, endless conversations with my parents and multiple sessions of me just lying on my bed staring up at the ceiling but in the end, I decided to trade in my Witsie status and start a new chapter.

My first day at orientation was nerve wracking to say the least, I was surrounded by all these new faces each accompanied with a different story. I remember taking a look around thinking it was very unlikely I’d form friendships with anyone here, in that moment I prepared myself for a very underwhelming year in city that was far from home. Ironically as we made our way through the first few daunting weeks of our honours degree, I found myself gradually opening up to those new faces around me. I quickly realised that my initial judgment was quite off the mark. It turned out that many of us had similar fears and uncertainties about starting this new chapter of our lives. The next few months were followed by hours of lectures, lab work and a roller coaster of emotions. The stressful days however were always balanced out by the laughs and giggles we all continued to share in the IDM cafe. For me the friends I made this year became more than just that, they became my family and support system. Moving here was the scariest leap I’ve ever had to take, but they made the jump feel like a little skip.

If one thing this year has taught me it’s to take chances and never fear the unknown, I always think back to the decision I had to make at the beginning of the year and how differently everything would’ve been if I chose convenience over an adventure. This time leaving behind family and familiar faces was the most difficult part because I’ve spent my whole life moving from place to place, each one of my major milestones ; primary school, high school, undergrad and now postgrad were all started in a different province or country. Along the way I learned to embrace change as a constant companion, making temporary friends and never fully adjusting. However, this move to Cape Town was different it quickly became my home away from home and I owe that to the friends who became my adopted family this year.

by Vieshal Gopal

Returning to academia two years after completing my undergraduate degree proved to be a formidable challenge. I felt like I had lost touch with the study routine, often burning the midnight oil and pulling all-nighters. Weekends were spent studying to keep up with coursework and secure this degree. Adding to this academic endeavor was my move to a new city, far from my hometown, where I found myself a complete stranger.

The shift in my surroundings was more drastic than I had anticipated. I had transitioned from a quiet, warm, suburban home with a lush garden to a bustling urban landscape, surrounded by tar and pavement. The rooms neighbouring mine, once inhabited by those I love, were now occupied by strangers with diverse backgrounds. However, the most profound change was the physical distance from the people that knew me best. A quick five-minute drive had stretched into a demanding 17-hour journey or an expensive two-hour flight. Despite my readiness for self-sufficiency, adept at cooking, cleaning, and known for my sociable nature, nothing could prepare me for the overwhelming loneliness that came with the absence of my loved ones.

I encountered numerous challenging days, balancing the rigors of academics, the necessity of working tirelessly to achieve great marks, and the importance of maintaining a nutritious diet that wouldn’t break the bank. The weight of these responsibilities was undeniable, yet not every aspect of my journey resembled the bleak winters of Cape Town.

Throughout this year, I underwent profound self-discovery and deepened my gratitude for my family, who remained a constant source of support and motivation, despite the physical distance. The lab manager/staff, lecturers, and supervisors within the genetics department played a pivotal role during this demanding honours year. Their empathy, encouragement, understanding, and unwavering support significantly shaped my experience and kept me going. Furthermore, I gained invaluable insights into the realm of science through their shared experiences, stoking my enthusiasm for future career prospects.

Despite facing numerous setbacks, I’ve come to recognize my inner strength—the ability to rebound, forge ahead, and tackle any challenge. While it often felt like the negatives were piling up relentlessly, I’ve learned to consistently remind myself of the persistent and core positives in my life, and how blessed I am to have the people I have in my life, which hold far greater importance.

by Cameron Timm

As I look back on my honours year of studying biomedical forensic science, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. It’s been a challenging journey, one that’s been filled with sweat, tears, and even a few mental breakdowns along the way. Yet, amidst the struggles, there have been moments of triumph and camaraderie that have made this experience truly worthwhile.

The coursework and research demands of this program pushed me to my limits. There were countless nights where I found myself buried in textbooks and articles, questioning if I had what it takes to succeed. But it was during those moments of self-doubt that I leaned on the unwavering support of three incredible friends who were walking the same path.

These three girls became more than just classmates; they became my lifelines. We studied together, shared our frustrations, and celebrated our small victories. Their presence throughout this journey kept me grounded and reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this struggle.

As I sit here with one more month left before this rollercoaster of a year comes to an end, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Yes, it was difficult, and yes, there were moments when I felt like giving up. But I didn’t, and that’s a testament to the resilience and determination that this year has instilled in me.

Looking back, I realise that it’s not just about the knowledge and skills I’ve gained but also the personal growth that’s taken place. This honours year has tested my limits, pushed me to my boundaries, and made me stronger in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

So, while this journey has been filled with its fair share of sweat and tears, I’m grateful for the friendships that blossomed and the strength I found within myself. As I approach the finish line, I know that I’ll carry the lessons from this year with me into whatever lies ahead.

by Mqiniseli Dlamini

Relocating to an unfamiliar setting, be it a new school, city, or country, offers the allure of novel surroundings and experiences. Among the myriad of enthralling aspects, the most remarkable lies in the absence of familiarity, where everything and everyone are uncharted territory. This transition serves as an academic opportunity of unparalleled magnitude. I embarked on this journey with unwavering confidence, ready to confront the challenges I presumed awaited me. However, reality would prove to be more formidable than anticipation.

Being in a new institute, not knowing how things are done, established norms and expectations became a source of frustration, particularly when considering the non- negotiable time constraint of a single year. Yet, adversity breeds learning, and my tenure here has been a crucible of education. The coursework has introduced me to intellectually stimulating topics, supplemented by the demands of assignments that necessitated the acquisition of knowledge under substantial pressure. The shift has been enormous, but one noticeable impediment persisted—an incapacitating fear of making presentations and its customs. I had skillfully evaded such situations, only to plunge headlong into the biggest one where I had to confront this paralyzing dread. On numerous consecutive occasions, I found myself the centre of attention, as though someone were orchestrating a deliberate trial of my resolve, leaving no room for respite. Conversely, the laboratory work has proven to be exhilarating, although I am merely scratching the surface of the subject at hand. At the end of the day, I gained both skills with practice and ease.

Each morning I use the hospital’s main entrance from down the road, a sight unfolds before me a picturesque setting I find myself gazing upon, a scene that stirs my senses. Before me stands a marvel, a harmonious blend of human ingenuity and nature’s grandeur. Bathed in the gentle, golden radiance of the rising sun, it exuded an aura of timelessness and grace. Towering majestically into the heavens, a mountain looms as if safeguarding the buildings below, partially veiled by ethereal wisps of clouds that hang in the sky. They add an element of mystery, inviting to contemplate the hidden wonders that lay beyond. The mountain itself, like an ancient sentinel, and its presence lends an air of tranquility and timelessness to the entire scene.

It is a reminder of the fleeting nature of time, a reminder that such moments of breath- taking beauty are both rare and transient, in the midst of facing your greatest challenges. A true distraction from everything else falling apart, a distraction well needed and well given everyday without fail.

My experience has been profoundly shaped by the challenges and opportunities that this city and institution. These experiences, both academic and non, have enriched my understanding of the broader context in which life unfolds. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned from the multifaceted tapestry of Cape Town’s unique environment.

by Tristan Butler

I was always excited to begin my Honours in Applied Anatomy at UCT however, nothing prepares you to encounter the amount of stress levels and workload. It has been a year of learning, with special emphasis on learning. The volume of knowledge that I have absorbed is immense, especially considering that all my senses were used, and exhausted in order to obtain the high level of required knowledge. My brain, soul, and body yearn for a fortnight length of a relaxing holiday to replenish my “brain power”. Besides the doom and gloom, I have immensely enjoyed this year of studies due to the expansion of knowledge and experience gained as an honours student studying at UCT. In addition to this I have learned the one must not take their “foot of the pedal” as a student otherwise all the work piles up at an enormous rate. The difference between undergrad and postgrad is that the ability to use the knowledge you acquire is tested, instead of solely producing the correct answer without showing your ability to use it. This learning curve forces learners to shape their manner in which they learn differently. I have seen how the anatomy of each human is not exactly as the textbooks dictate, relating the possible significance that our world as we know it is changing at an even quicker rate, due to advancements in technology of course. Early at the onset of the year, I expected to learn vastly about the anatomy of human beings, these expectations were met to a significant extent. I found that one must learn from all resources and more, as well as in a practical sense, even though that is expected. My learning experience has brought to the foreground an understanding of what the future could hold for me, and the broad amount of choices I have, in terms of paths for the future. So much potential benefits have arisen from this academic year, through the struggles and the victories. My familial struggles have posed a largely significant challenge for me to overcome this year, influencing my studying. This presents a “Catch 22” scenario because you love your family and would practically do anything for them, however they have the potential to be your detriment to, so it is always about being on that fine line where you do what is right and what is “good” for you as an individual. Though I may sound to philosophical, it makes much sense in the context of studying of the sciences. All-in-all I am grateful for this year and what it has taught me in the anatomy world.