Health Science Reviews

By Layla Alexander

I remember at the ice-breaker event at the start of the year, Professor Digby Warner suggested we take a photo on our first day of honours and another on our last. With just two months left of this degree, I’m pretty sure my “before” and “after” shots will look like the difference between a shiny, brand-new lab flask and one that’s been through a hundred autoclaving cycles—complete with a few dents, some serious wear and tear, and a look that says, “I’ve been under a lot of pressure, but I’m still standing.”

Looking back at my honour’s year, it feels like trying to capture a storm in a bottle—both exhilarating and overwhelming. This year has been a wild ride, the best and worst of times all rolled into one unforgettable experience. There were days filled with laughter and connection, and moments of struggle that seemed never-ending. But through it all, this year has shaped me in ways I never imagined.

One of the highlights has been the simple joys of our routine—the countless laughs shared over foosball and those comforting bowls of soup after class. Those moments, where the world felt a little smaller and our problems a bit lighter, were like little pockets of happiness amidst the chaos. They remind me of how important it is to find joy in the small things, especially during such a rollercoaster year.

Navigating my project has been like trying to steer a ship through foggy waters. Each day brought new challenges and surprises, and there were times I felt like I was sailing blind. My project has morphed significantly from its original conception, evolving in ways I could not have predicted. This journey has been a testament to the essence of science itself—resilience and steadfastness in the face of shifting paradigms and unexpected obstacles. Adapting to these changes, although difficult, has been a powerful reminder of why we pursue scientific inquiry: not just for answers, but for the growth that comes from grappling with uncertainty and complexity.

Throughout this challenging period, the support I’ve received has been invaluable. From my amazing co-supervisor who has guided me through my project’s twists and turns to peers who have lent an ear or a word of encouragement, to very much needed therapy sessions in the office, I have been surrounded by a network of support that has made all the difference. While we are not yet at the finish line, this support has been a constant reminder that we are moving in the right direction, and it has given me the strength to keep pushing forward.

Thinking back to the start of the year, I smile at the memories of our class trips during the Vaccinology module to Afrigen Biologics on a cold and rainy day, where we learnt all about R&D. The following week, we went on a road trip to Worcester to visit SATVI where we were immersed into the intricacies of vaccine development and clinical trials. Those trips were like our own mini-experiments in real-world science—exciting and full of promise, with the added bonus of some delicious Nando’s to cap off the day.

There were times when my cell cultures seemed to have their own agenda, making me question if I’d ever get them to cooperate. Navigating an animal project has also by far been a huge adjustment for me in trying to complete this honours degree. But if there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that growth often comes with its own set of challenges. Just like my experiments, I’ve had my struggles, but I’ve also grown through them.

Through laughter, support, and moments of quiet reflection, I’ve come to realize that the true value of this year lies not just in the knowledge gained but in the journey itself. As we near the end, I am grateful for every twist and turn, for they have shaped me into a stronger, more purposeful individual.

There’s this quote that has carried me since Grade 9 and I will leave you with it: “You laughed and thought it was witty when you came across the quote ‘Don’t take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.’ But gosh, can it be any truer? Most things you’re stressing over now won’t even matter 3 years from now. But good days will turn into heart-warming memories that will stay with you even 2 decades later. Happiness and success are two different things but remember they aren’t mutually exclusive. At least they don’t have to be.”