Health Science Reviews

By Onethemba Xoma

When I first arrived at UCT, I felt like a kid showing up to Hogwarts for the first time, well minus the sorting hat and pet owl. Instead, I had my trusty notebook, probably a look that screamed “newbie” (You would think we are way past that, considering this was not my first time doing this university thing- but oh well I guess we are doing postgrad for the first time…Can you believe I got lost twice on the first day of school!).

Fast forward to mid-year, we are done with coursework, and what a whirlwind it has been! From trying to make sense of complex theories to navigating new friendships and life itself, it has been a journey that would make even Indiana Jones break a sweat. So, let’s take a moment to reflect, laugh, and celebrate the rollercoaster ride that is the Honours experience.

The Learning Curve:

If you told me six months ago that I would find some joy in late-night research sessions (well the joy is subjective and has its days), I would have laughed you off! I mean I could barely get through an article in an hour. But here I am, getting the hang of it (still not a perfect love). There have been moments where my brain felt like it was wrestling with those results and data analyses, but every little “Oooh, so that’s what it means!” made it worth the struggle.

Making Friends: The Unofficial Curriculum

Moving to a whole new province, and meeting new people can be daunting, but it’s also where the magic happens (Cliche!) I surprisingly did well in this department as I quickly learned that everyone was just as eager to make connections (even those that did their undergrad at UCT). From pleasant greetings when meeting for lectures to impromptu speed dating during pizza lunches to commiserating over shared deadlines, my peers have become friends to me. There’s something heartwarming about bonding over the collective struggle of trying to understand a particularly tough lecture or having each other’s backs during those nerve-wrecking presentations.

The Great Balancing Act

One of the biggest challenges has been finding the balance between academic responsibilities and personal well-being. There have been days where the workload seemed insurmountable, but I have learned the importance of taking breaks and practicing self-care. Sometimes, time with friends or a night of binge-watching my favorite show is exactly what’s needed to recharge.

Wrapping it up

As I reflect on these past five months, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing- there have been late nights, moments of doubt, maybe tears here and there, and few too many cups of coffee- but it has been a great journey of growth and discovery (still growing and discovering). I have learned to embrace the challenges (Apparently, life does not give you the chance to choose when it can throw hands), cherish the wins, and most importantly, to enjoy the ride.

To anyone looking to start a new adventure of their lives: It is okay to not have it all figured out, embrace the unknown, lean on the amazing people around you that care for you, and always try to find joy in the little things.

May the next half of this journey be just as transformative and thrilling!

Pro tip: coffee is your best friend, but don’t overdo it!