Health Science Reviews

By Emelinah Silinda
After two years away from the Lab, Science, and due dates pressure, stepping into Honours felt like jumping into the deep end. Honestly, I had doubts about a lot of things; my readiness, my abilities, and whether I still had it in me. But here I am, halfway through the year, and something has shifted. I’m not just surviving… I’m growing.
It’s the middle of the year now. Exams are done, and ahead of me is something I’ve never tackled before: writing my first thesis. Am I ready? Maybe not fully. But then again, who has ever been? I have learned that readiness often follows courage, not the other way around, hence the risk I took after so much time away from academics.
And again, I’m reflecting and smiling, how did I make it this far with my terrible sight, and I still strive. One thing about my eyes, when they don’t want to see light, they make sure they frustrate me. Some days I struggled to prepare for exams, I mean, who reads with lights off? So, I would have to stay in bed all sad until they get better, but that has never stopped me. If anything, it taught me early on that challenges don’t define your limits, your mindset and commitment do. I’ve seen firsthand that you can become what you dream of if you’re willing to fight for it… And here I am, becoming that little scientist!!
Being at UCT, the best university in Africa, still feels surreal at times. It’s a dream I once had, and now I’m living it. Believe me when I say this is motivating. I have so much knowledge since the beginning of the year, and I can feel it in me that this is one of the best decisions I made this year.. I’m not just working toward a degree; I’m becoming the researcher I always imagined myself to be.
Looking ahead, I feel positive and ready, not in a perfect sense, but in a brave sense, to take the next step. I want to pursue my Master’s, ask important questions, and contribute to science that makes a difference. The path might look challenging, but believe me, I belong here!!!
And I can’t wait to see how far this version of me will go….