Health Science Reviews

by Inam Makhabana

This year started on a positive note for me, I was highly motivated and thrilled to begin my postgraduate studies, not thinking much into what to expect and how my experience of transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate would feel like, all that was in my mind was how wonderfully the universe had worked in my favor as I have always wanted to get into Medical Sciences.

First semester commenced and the pressure started peaking from week 1, piling to be filled with early morning lectures, practicals, presentations, tests and from there straight to the exams. This meant spending more time trying to catch up on the work in what I feel like was a short space of time. Late nights of trying to keep up with Immunology, and barely coping in class the next morning, weekends stated to slowly but surely shift from binge watching movies to working and chasing submissions. First semester also meant adapting to into a new environment for me, I mean, I can’t hide the fact that my previous uni is different from UCT. The academic pressure here is more, and this made me question if I could fit into this fast-passed academic environment. Regardless of those self-doubts, I had to be optimistic and make sure I work towards achieving my end-goal.

Second semester, where do I even start? Firstly, this semester went by very fast, and I expected it to be less stressful mainly because we’re done with our modules. Transitioning from back-to-back classes in first semester to spending more time in the lab has been quite a roller-coaster for me, some days are filled with long stressful hours of work, and some are better. I am grateful though that the second semester is giving us a taste of how it feels like to be in academia and simultaneously helping us sharpen our laboratory skills should we want to go into the workplace.

With that said, my experience of this year has come with great personal growth, teaching me the value of determination and perseverance. More than anything, I am proud of myself for putting in the effort even at times It felt overwhelming, I believe that it only will only get better from here.