Health Science Reviews

by Simange Sithonga

My Honours year started off with an unsettling experience as a new UCT postgrad student. During the first few months of the first semester, my friend and I were involved in an armed robbery while making our way to campus to study. Unfortunately, I lost my phone and laptop in the process. After that day I underwent significant changes where I had to adapt to not having both my phone and laptop and also having someone to come wake me up for class as I did not have an alarm due to my phone being gone. I was also required to adapt to the change of always having to walk with a large group of friends and not depend on CPS for protection.

This whole incident affected my mental health as I was expected to simultaneously deal with the trauma and juggle schoolwork. It was not easy, but I believe that it made me gain a few core values; adaptability, resilience, and perseverance. I encountered challenges and experienced uncertainty, but I learnt to endure by constantly seeking support when necessary. I can certainly count on these resilience, adaptability, and perseverance skills in assisting me thrive in my future endeavours. I am grateful to have been associated with a group of peers and academic staff that were able to show their support during times where I was feeling vulnerable.

Beyond the unsettling experience and challenges I faced, this year also unlocked an era of personal growth. I learned the value of time management, the skill of managing multiple tasks, and the ability of self-control. I came to see that seeking information entails more than simply gathering data; it also entails developing critical-thinking abilities, developing creativity, and developing a desire for lifelong learning.