Health Science Reviews

by Isabel De Beer

Rewind to the beginning…

At the start of this year, I found myself entering a large, unfamiliar room on the medical campus, navigating buildings that seemed never – ending. It felt like turning corners only to end up in the same place, reflecting my journey to studying a medical Honours specializing in infectious diseases and immunology.

Sitting in the auditorium, I listened as course conveners introduced themselves and their Honours streams. Despites everyone’s kindness during initial introductions, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone else was so certain about their path, unlike me. Imposter syndrome was palpable.

Leaving school in 2019, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare industry, but I had no clear vision of my future. I completed my undergraduate studies in human anatomy, physiology and psychology, even considering a career as a psychologist at one point. I explored various fields, taking extra courses in isiXhosa, Physics, Human Evolution, Genetics, Biochemistry, and finally Infectious diseases and Vaccines. I was desperate for inspiration and clarity on where I could contribute. It’s true that BScs open doors, but there is no clear path, and I found myself applying to the Infectious Disease and Immunology stream (having only one major in the science department). Although I hadn’t initially considered this area, I found myself among 80 eager students with all wonderful, diverse and different paths to this exact spot. I questioned if I was doing the correct stream and what this would all come to. Amongst questions like “academia or industry?”, “what areas do you want to specialize in?” and “what will you do after this year?” I found myself again, with the familiar feelings of being unsure, lost and anxious. Looking back to that moment, I really knew nothing about everything.  At least now I feel a bit more grounded and, at the very least, more knowledgeable.

The first few weeks of general techniques and then finally starting course work, left me surprisingly thinking, “I really feel like this is right fit for me”. While I am hesitant to speak about the year before it has ended, the growth I’ve experience so far seems incredible. From course content to learning about my peers and lecturers, discovering go-to places and things to avoid, understanding research projects, improving writing skills, interacting with supervisors, familiarizing myself with lab equipment and locations, managing lab work and studying, maintaining friendships, preparing presentations, asking questions, navigating Cape Town’s moody weather and planning for the future – the list of areas I’ve grown in is endless.

Now, during our first two-week break, I reflect on feeling proud that exams are over and anxious about what to expect in the second half of the year. Everything I’ve gotten used to may change. No more morning lectures, no more excuses for not getting into the lab, and no more luxury time while learning and repeating tasks slowly.

I am scared and nervous about completing my experiments and the daunting task of writing it all up. But if the first half of the year has taught me anything, it’s that I am capable and can-do hard things. The pride and confidence in overcoming fear are invaluable, despite the stress and back pain from long hours of work. Trusting the process is essential to becoming an equipped scientist, like those we admire around campus.

I am thankful for the push this year has given me. Though I can’t hide my nerves about the second half, I trust it will be a great experience where boredom and too much free time will be nonexistent.

To those reading this, I hope to share this advice: Although this year is demanding and overwhelming at times, take it one day at a time, trust the process and everything will be okay.

Here’s to a great first half and hopefully an event better second half!