Health Science Reviews

By Rirhandzu Precious Mkhari

If I think very hard, I can probably make a plan and come up with a very good story that can be quite “convincing”. One that can make someone happy or sad, whichever is more interesting. However, I choose to be honest on this one. In fact, I opt to pill off and paste directly from the layers of my heart and to listen to the pattern of every beat and translate that here. Allow me, as investigative as I can be, to take a thorough history of this year before I can diagnose it. So! what has brought me here, you ask?

TB, yes TB. After doing job shadowing at Baragwanath hospital and seeing the overwhelming number of patients that were victimized by TB I was mad, plus I couldn’t wrap my mind around the 6 months treatment, I wanted answers. I was also obsessed with immunology in my first year and I wanted to be in the IDM building and see what they are all about. But even though I knew I had some passion for research, the journey was not a given. I was constantly wrapped around the fear of not making it, of arriving late and finding the door shut. Truly I say to you the only reason I am here is indeed ”the grace of God” and lots of tears and breakdowns and ice cream and Mama’s prayers that is why I am here.

To elaborate…..I never thought I would be here. The difficulty of third year with molecular medicine with my marks taking a toll after the first semester I was soon to believe I cannot be accepted for Honours. When I did, I could only look up and give thanks. I still remember the first day in that lecture hall, with all the new faces, bright and ready to take over the world. Boy was I not happy, anxious too but mostly happy. I too was ready to take over the world!

So how are things now? Apart from being anxious about when I will be full on with my project and finishing everything, I am happy to be part of it all. More than anything else I consider this year a blessing. And now that I am allowed to close my eyes forever and live in this dream and to feel the presence of this novel air occupy my lungs and keep my heart beating, I am more than grateful. Even though challenges are unending and battles outside of my academics are trying, by all means possible, to wake me out of this dream I refuse. I refuse to let go of this blanket that has locked me into this dream.

This year has taught me the value of everything one has in life. As I left my friends and started on this journey, it does sometimes feel like I am walking alone. However, from time to time I am reminded of the many blessings I have in exchange, the many amazing people I met this year. I have also learned to value friendships and to have an accepting and resilient heart. I thank every moment of it, from every module to every test and exam, every submission, new friendships along the way, I am thankful for all of it. As I start full on with my project with the anxiety of not knowing what will happen, I will keep this reminder badge on my shoulders and remember why I am even here.

What made things better this year? Ice cream with friends, studying with my amazing buddies, jazz sessions at Baxter, lots of sleep, not having to chase 8am classes and many more. As I come to the close, I see I cannot give a definite diagnosis of this year, there’s still more mountains to climb and tears to cry. However, my differentials are kind, resilient, tough and fun year.