Health Science Reviews

by Dineo Madikgetla

I vividly recall the day I received the acceptance letter from this institution. It was a crucial moment, one that forced me to make a difficult choice between this institution and the one I was currently attending. The decision weighed heavily on my mind until I recalled the wisdom of Mark Twain’s words: ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream, discover.’ Inspired by this quote, I made my choice.

As I reflect on the beginning of this year as an honours student, a sense of contemplation washes over me. It’s remarkable how quickly time has passed, and how much I’ve grown in these months.

When the year commenced, I was filled with both excitement and a certain level of anxiety. Pursuing an honours degree was a significant step forward in my academic journey, and the expectations were higher than ever. I was stepping into a world of more advanced research, increased responsibilities, and greater academic challenges.

I distinctly remember the initial weeks, marked by a whirlwind of confusion, and the anxiety of delving into the unknown. The early mornings and late nights spent hunched over my computer became a routine. and the study content felt like an impenetrable darkness. It was as if I was wandering in the unknown.

However, as the weeks progressed, we moved to our stream-specific work. I was no longer lost. It was a period of intense learning, where we did some lab work. Where each day brought new insights and discoveries. Learning about different techniques related to our specific work, then gradually delving into the coursework.

But it wasn’t all about the academics. Being an honours student also meant embracing a stronger sense of independence and self-discipline. Balancing coursework, research, and personal life became an art I had to master. There were moments of frustration and self-doubt, but those only served to make the journey more meaningful.

As the year unfolded, I had the privilege of working closely with people who guided me through the complexity of research and academic writing. Their wisdom and support were invaluable, and I learned from their experiences and expertise. I also attended webinars that empowered me.

Now, at this moment, I can say that this year has been transformative. I’ve developed a resilience I didn’t know I possessed. There’s still a long road ahead, with a thesis to complete and more challenges to conquer, but I face the future with newfound confidence.

Looking back, I realize that the journey of an honours student is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about personal growth, resilience, and the thrill of intellectual exploration. I’m grateful for the opportunities and support I’ve received, and I’m excited to see where the next phase of this journey takes me.

As I close this reflective piece, I’m reminded of the wisdom encapsulated in Mark Twain’s timeless words: ‘ Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails, explore, dream, discover.’ This journey has taught me that growth and discovery often lie beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. So, to all embarking on their own academic or personal explorations, I offer these words of wisdom: Embrace challenges as opportunities, welcome uncertainty as a chance to learn, and never cease in your pursuit of knowledge and self discovery. For it is in the journey, the exploration, the dreaming, and the discovery that we find the true richness of life.