Health Science Reviews

by Ariel Kraitzick

I have always had a love for knowledge. As a child, my dad would sit me down every night and teach me a new fact or word of the day. I would always insist that he teach me a second one. This zest for knowledge has stayed with me to this very day. I chose to pursue a career in biomedical science, specifically neuroscience, as it is a field that is constantly evolving, presenting new discoveries that challenge us to closely examine our past beliefs and understandings, and allowing us to grow as scientists.

However, this year has tested my love for knowledge. Transitioning from an undergraduate to a postgraduate level has proven to be extremely challenging. I have come to realize how little I actually know, and it often feels as if an infinite mountain of knowledge looms before me, one I may never be able to fully scale. This year has marked many firsts for me—reading research papers, conducting my own lab work, and composing a thesis.

Although I’ve experienced moments of fear, with the unwavering support of my supervisor, friends, and family, I have managed to confront these tasks. Day by day, they begin to appear less formidable. The only true way to conquer your fears is to confront them head-on, and I can proudly say that I have accomplished this throughout this year. To the future honours students, it’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed or scared; I still do. What I am certain of is that I will emerge from this experience with augmented knowledge and confidence. Perhaps, just perhaps, I will finally be able to rightfully call myself a “scientist”.