Health Science Reviews

By Baphiwe Mlondo

The first day of honours orientation felt like stepping into a new world. I was initially registered for Bioinformatics, but soon realised it wasn’t what I truly wanted. I had always pictured myself in a wet lab, so I made the switch to biomedical forensic science. This decision brought me a sense of relief and excitement. Jumping into research was like diving into the deep end. There was no gradual transition; I quickly found myself in a fast-paced environment filled with tons of work. At times, I felt lost, unsure of what I was doing. But that uncertainty also sparked my curiosity. Discovering something new every day became the highlight of my experience.

The coursework was more engaging than in my undergraduate studies. We had lively discussions that allowed me to hear my colleagues’ perspectives on our field’s direction. It was rewarding to see how our studies applied to real-world situations. Having a solid support system made my honours journey smoother. Family, friends, and supervisors provided encouragement, and connecting with colleagues from different streams helped me find a community I can lean on. It was comforting to know that others understood what I was going through. However, there were challenges beyond my control, such as financial issues. Being partially funded meant having outstanding fees and not receiving meal allowances. Thankfully, programs like the UCT Food Sovereignty initiative provided much-needed support. Overall, this honours journey has taught me about adaptability and the importance of community. Each day brings new lessons, and I’m learning to embrace change while relying on those around me.