Health Science Reviews

By Boniwe Ncethelo

I will always remember the 26-hour bus ride I took from Johannesburg to come to Cape Town for the first time, it has always been my dream. I was so nervous yet excited at the same time. The joy I had when I made my student card, I was in disbelieve. It was official that i am a UCT student, then the journey commenced. Classes started and the first 3 weeks of General techniques was the biggest shock of my academic journey. I struggled a lot and was always confused most of the times. This was something I was not used to experiencing, I mean I was among the top achievers in my class but now I did not even understand a single slide. I started to question my decision and thought maybe I should have stayed at UJ, negative thoughts creeped in almost every day when I was alone but unfortunately they were not greater than the support I received the constant seminars and events organized by  the postgraduate committee was amazing.  

I had the opportunity to communicate with other students, including some at masters and PhD level, and even lecturers. I opened up to them. I was amazed to realize that we were all swimming in the same boat, they all struggled in honours year but they kept emphasizing that “it will get better, hang in there.”

I am glad I did hang in there, eventually the journey became bearable, the support continued, I was never afraid to talk about my struggle and eventually, the negative thoughts completely disappeared. What was important was showing up. Even if you do not understand what is going on, show up! Keep putting in the effort and submit everything that is due, even if you have many submissions, submit. It does not get easier, every day you will be presented with challenges, but everything is doable. Nothing is impossible.

Looking back, I am so glad that I continued I learned a lot about the research world or academia. I can make better decisions now about my career. Most importantly, to be able to survive this honours journey please PRAY. God is the source of knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 2 : 6 & James 1 :5). All this academic content were written by a person whom God gave a brain and placed the wisdom, therefore always pray and ask God to give you the wisdom to understand whatever is presented before you . You will be amazed at the results.