Health Science Reviews

by Bianca Obadic

In 2022, I completed my undergrad in genetics and human anatomy at UCT.

In 2023 I did not get into honours.

Nothing could have prepared me for the defeat I felt, the doubt that was instilled in myself and my abilities. Nothing could have readied me for the jealously of watching all my friends carry on with what they wanted to be doing. Despite graduating with distinction, my achievements were not enough. I wasn’t worthy of this, so what was I worthy of? Nothing could have prepared me for the confusion and sadness. I did not have another plan, this was all I wanted to do. So what was going to happen now?

But, above all the nothings, nothing could have prepared me for the significant realisation that perhaps not getting in the first time around was the best thing that could have happened to me. 

Scrambling around on what I would do to fill a whole year before I could try again, I decided (along with a push from my incredible mom) to complete my PGCE. It was one of the toughest years, being stuck in the unknown, and not doing something I was particularly passionate about. What would happen next? Would I be successful the second time I applied? There was no way of knowing, but I had to push through and try my absolute best to make my dreams happen.

In 2024 I got into every honours program I applied for. 

Knowing what it feels like to not be doing what you’re passionate about, I went into this year with a positive and refreshed mindset, one that encourages me to embrace all the challenges I am bound to face, to better appreciate every win, and to look at every loss as a learning experience.

I could not have asked to be surrounded by a better, more supportive group of people, who are not only my colleagues but also new friends. 

On top of that, the biggest blessing of a year away from Genetics is that it only reaffirmed my love for the subject and how much I want to follow this path. I also learned so much about myself, and gained a priceless amount of life experience!