Health Science Reviews

By: Siphamandla Mdingi

I did not come this far to break down and lose. Those words echoed in my mind as I
went through the intensity of my honours year without funding. I completed my
undergraduate degree at CPUT studying Biotechnology, and I was always fascinated
by the medical side of it. That curiosity and passion led me to apply for Honours in
Medical Biochemistry at UCT. When I received my acceptance letter, I was delighted
and ready to embark on the amazing journey I had dreamed about. At the time, I didn’t
have a bursary, but I wasn’t agitated because I had applied to almost every bursary.
With a strong academic record, I was confident that I would be accepted by most, if
not all.

Little did I know a storm was coming.
As we began our coursework, the environment was completely different from what I
knew. Everything was going so fast, and by the first week, I was already catching up
with my coursework before I even adjusted to the new environment. Luckily, on the
other side, I knew most of my classmates from CPUT, and we helped each other most
of the time. As I was still shocked by the fast-paced environment, I was facing rejection
letters from bursaries left, right, and centre. It was unbelievable. I had been so sure I
would get a bursary.

So, there I was, battling demanding coursework while also facing the hard reality of
being unfunded, with no one to support me. At some point, I re-evaluated my decision
to continue with my honours year. I had to remind myself that I was living in one of my
answered prayers, and I wouldn’t be here if things were not going to work out.
Fast forward to exam time, still without funding, I reminded myself that there is no
going back now; I am almost at the finish line. This experience has taught me
resilience, patience, and gratitude. There was a time it nearly broke me. But I realised
that constantly worrying and stressing was only going to rob me of this amazing
opportunity.

Over time, I had to learn how to manage both my academic responsibilities and my
stress levels because no one was going to do that for me. We are now in July after
exams, and I am grateful I was able to finish them even under these circumstances.
Once again, I reminded myself: I did not come this far just to break down and lose.
And by “lose,” I don’t mean in comparison to others, but in keeping the promises I
made to myself.

Besides everything, I have enjoyed my experience in the first semester. Despite the
challenges, this journey has given me something incredibly valuable: a real glimpse
into what it’s like to be part of the medical research field. From engaging lectures to
lab work and critical thinking, I’ve begun to understand not just the science but the
purpose behind it. Now, I look forward to my research project with determination and
eagerness.