Health Science Reviews

By Zinhle Radebe

When I received my acceptance into the Honours program, I was very happy; it felt like a dream finally coming true. I had prayed and worked so hard for this opportunity, and I was excited to begin the journey I had always hoped for. However, the excitement quickly gave way to doubt. I remember on just the second day of classes; I started questioning whether I truly belonged in this space. I felt completely lost, and as the days went on, the workload only grew heavier. The pressure of mastering so much content in just three weeks felt overwhelming and, at times, impossible. Still, the only thing I could do was keep showing up, studying, and believing that my efforts would eventually pay off. What kept me going during those challenging times was my faith. Whenever I felt tired, unsure, or overwhelmed, I turned to God, His word, and His promises. They gave me strength and peace when I needed it most. I was also fortunate to have incredibly supportive classmates. We related to each other’s struggles, shared resources, and lifted each other with encouragement. I never felt alone because we were all in it together. 

Despite the rough start, this year has already given me some of the most beautiful and impactful experiences I’ve had. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and into spaces where I see myself working in environments where I apply critical thinking, all to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. One of the biggest personal breakthroughs for me has been overcoming my fear of public speaking. I used to be so nervous that my voice would shake, and I could barely speak in front of a group. But the weekly presentations we do have trained me, helped me build confidence, and showed me that nerves don’t have to stop me. I now know how to manage them and still speak with assurance. It also helped me to effectively prioritize tasks and exercise time management. This journey is not easy, but it is shaping me into the scientist and person I’ve always wanted to become.