Health Science Reviews

By Angela Mutugi

I am going to say something a little crazy but very true, so brace yourself. I only applied to one university for honours. Shocking, I know! UCT, you were my one and only… truly! It was my greatest risk, my biggest gamble, but it worked out. Yes, I have been critiqued on my decision, and no, I have not tested my luck at the lottery… yet. For the first couple of weeks, I couldn’t believe it panned out. I am living in Cape Town and attending the top-ranked university in Africa. Sorry, not sorry for the humble brag.

Reflecting on why I applied, I remember my toughest lecturer from my undergrad. She was also the most inspiring for me. She was never shy with her commentary and encouraged risk-taking, within reason.

But let’s focus back on the present situation. I’m here, halfway through honours, and honestly, it’s a good thing I am an adrenaline junkie cause this year’s rollercoaster of emotions has been intense. I have learnt new and re-learnt old things about myself and how to manage in this environment. It has grown me in my independence and intellect. So now that I am reflecting, if there is one piece of advice I would say everyone should take, it’s feedback. Whether it is from your friends, family, but especially if it’s from your supervisors, take it and apply it. You can question it, see it through different lenses, love it, hate it, but you should accept it.

In this faculty, I believe we are all looking forward to understanding, creating and sustaining something much bigger than ourselves. We have all walked different paths to get here, and after we may walk different paths to get to where we are going, but in this moment where all our paths have converged, let us learn from each other and encourage one another. Sometimes the best lessons are the ones learnt outside of a classroom. Being surrounded by people striving for their best and wanting the best for those around them means that their words should not just be critical but encouraging.

So I ask you, please take the feedback. Really understand and apply it. Give some feedback as well. Your words could shift entire perspectives and be exactly what someone needs to hear.

Please take my advice, but if you find me unreliable because of my ‘risk-taking’ history, take this guy’s advice:
“Feedback is the compass for greatness; it tells you what to avoid, what to learn, and where to excel.” – Henrik Ceder.