Health Science Reviews

By Edward Nguni
Doing an Honours degree had always lived in my heart as a dream—one I nurtured carefully through late-night study sessions and moments of awe during my undergraduate years. It was Microbiology, especially, that lit the spark. The rich, complex topics we explored made it clear: This is what I was meant to do.

When I received my acceptance into UCT, it felt surreal. I had to pinch myself multiple times just to believe it. I had made it to one of Africa’s leading institutions, and the excitement was electric. But nothing prepared me for the moment I learned about the groundbreaking TB research being done in the Molecular Mycobacterium Research Unit. Suddenly, I was in dreamland all over again. The idea of helping in the fight against TB, a disease that had personally touched my life by claiming my father, gave my academic journey a new purpose. This wasn’t just education—it was a mission. A way to fight back against this Myc’O guy. A little revenge with a microscope and a dream.

Then came the Specific Techniques module—lab time, every day. I was in heaven. It was everything I had imagined when I first whispered the word Scientist to myself. I thought, Yes. This is it.

But dreamland has its realities.

When the module cycle started, I was hit with long lecture sessions, sometimes up to three hours. I had just transitioned from the comfort of 45-minute undergrad classes. My brain was fried. And then came the kicker: I didn’t get a TB-focused research project. Instead, I was placed in a next-generation sequencing project. Heavy on bioinformatics. Heavy on computers. And if I’m being honest, I’ve always been scared of working with computers. But
I kept that fear to myself, so I can’t blame anyone. I told no one. Just me, the machine, and my anxiety.

But they say we can plan, but the will of God prevails. And now I believe that with my whole heart. Despite the growing pains, each long lecture brought new insight. Each intense module cracked open a new part of my mind. The program is so versatile that I even got to do Anatomy, something I had always dreamed of. Standing in the dissecting room, having deep conversations over cadavers—it was surreal. Strange to say, but those moments are etched in my heart forever.

And maybe, not getting my “dream project” was a blessing in disguise. It led me to a sit-down conversation with my supervisor—not just about the project, but about life. About career. About calling. That chat confirmed something I had always sensed: he’s doing what I’ve always dreamed of doing. It was like a divine alignment. God really did His thing with this partnership.

So yes, I’m still scared of computers. But I’m also more excited than ever. I’m entering the research component of my Honours year—and I’m calling it Episode 1 of Fear Factor. Only this time, I’m not running. I’m leaning in. This isn’t just a degree anymore. It is personal. It is a purpose. It is a reality I once only dreamed of.

Stay tuned. The journey has only just begun.