by Zusiphe Mzazela

At the beginning of the year, things looked pretty tough for me. I found myself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty and ambition and to be honest, I didn’t really know what I was doing with my studies. It was like being lost in a big maze. But you know what? I had this strong love for what I was learning, and that kept me going. I had a lot of difficulties that made me wonder if I should keep going with my postgraduate studies, but I was determined to find a way.

One of the biggest challenge I faced was not having funding for my studies. It’s like having a big dream but not enough fuel to get there. I started to question if I made the right choice to be here. However, deep inside, I had this tiny spark of passion I couldn’t let go of it. So, I decided not to focus on the challenges because they were weighing me down instead, I gave myself more on my studies and all the experiences. I started to attend academic events, seminars, and talked to people who knew more than I did. I was like a hungry student, absorbing everything I could find.

But you know what made this journey even better? The people around me. Their kindness and support were like a warm blanket on a cold day. They kept me motivated and made me want to be better. As the year went by, I changed a lot. I wasn’t the same person who started the year lost and confused and I realized that this journey was not just about academics; it was a journey of self-discovery. I became a person who loved what they were studying and had the determination to keep going, no matter what. I communicated more than I did at the start of the year and that helped me to get help in some of the challenges.

Looking back, I have learned some valuable lessons. I learned that when you have passion and don’t give up, things can turn around. I have come to realize that good people could make a tough journey feel like a walk in the park. So, here I am, at the end of the year, filled with gratitude. The challenges of this year have shaped me into a stronger, more passionate student. I am eager to continue my journey, armed with the knowledge and determination. I am more committed than ever as the year is about end, and I am continuing with my Honours project that I love.

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