Health Science Reviews

by Nishanya Govender

In the realm of higher education, a journey filled with triumphs and challenges awaits every student. As I reflect upon the past few months, I can proudly say that it has been a remarkable testament to my perseverance and despite numerous obstacles that confronted me along the way, I refused to succumb to the weight of adversity.  

Looking back, the beginning of was undoubtedly the most daunting phase. Moving to Cape Town, a city unfamiliar to me, brought with a sense of excitement but also an overwhelming feeling of loneliness. I had left behind everything and everyone familiar, stepping into the unknown.

Adding to the difficulty was the fact that I started a month later than my peers due to unforeseen circumstances. This delay meant that I was constantly playing catch-up throughout the first few months, always trying to bridge the gap that had formed. It felt like a perpetual race against time, as I had to ensure I covered all the material before the crucial June exams.

Furthermore, being the ONLY person in my program (Radiobiology) added an additional layer of complexity. The lack of classmates to bounce ideas off or study with made the journey feel isolating at times. However, I refused to let these circumstances dampen my spirits. I knew I needed to seek support and guidance from those who could provide it. This is where my family, supervisor and co-supervisor played a significant role. Their guidance and mentorship became a source of strength and motivation for me.

The rigorous curriculum demanded an extraordinary level of commitment and balancing the academic workload and personal life proved to be an uphill battle. With the complex coursework throughout the year, extensive research projects, and demanding deadlines, I had to enhance my time-management skills. Embracing a disciplined routine became imperative, sacrificing short-term leisure for long-term academic achievements.

Amidst the challenging journey, it was essential to celebrate small victories along the way. Each milestone achieved, every positive grade earned, and every completed project became a testament to my determination and progress. These accomplishments fuelled my motivation, reminding me that perseverance leads to eventual triumph.

Despite the numerous challenges that came my way, I persevered. I adopted a mindset of resilience and determination, refusing to let setbacks define me. There were moments of exhaustion and self-doubt, but I pushed through, knowing that the reward at the end would be worth the struggle. I learned to navigate the complexities of my program, to overcome the loneliness, and to seek support I needed. My honours degree has been a transformative experience, not only academically but personally as well.

So, even though at times it may feel like you have lost your way, like taking the wrong turn after the GPS said turn right, at some point it will recalculate, and you will find your way, and reach your destination.