by Yanga Pato I had a plan, a well thought plan but transformation disrupted the execution phase. I guess that is how life works, it’s not supposed to be a linear journey, and sometimes everything does not obey our plans. I used to believe that positive outcomes were the cornerstone of triumph, but I was…

by Andiswa Majikijela Acknowledging Life’s Imperfections: The reminder that “it’s okay to not always be okay” serves as a constant companion on my life’s journey, reminding me that existence is not a consistently smooth ride, but rather an intricate path filled with bumps, detours, and storms. Through this acknowledgment, I’ve gained a profound understanding of…

by Felicia Khoza My academic and personal journey has been a roller coaster ride, and to be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am here to celebrate myself for all the things I have accomplished, the obstacles I have overcome, the tears I have shed, and the relentless hard work I have put in…

by Tebogo Malope At the beginning of my honours year, I was full of excitement for many reasons; to start my journey as a scientist, do something new and different, finally get to focus on only what I am interested in and get a break from medical school. I thought this was going to be…

by Nokuthula Hlongwana 2023, a year of reaching my full potential. That was the goal I set for myself beginning of the year. Oh boy little did I know what this year was bringing, full force servings. To say this year has been difficult would be an understatement, I have always heard my students who…

by Mandisa Mabaso Despite the ups and downs along the way to earning my honours degree, I cannot help but reflect on how valuable this experience has been. It has been a year filled with tears, stress, anxiety, laughter, and good times, but the accomplishment has been important for me academically and personally. I decided…

by Migael Mouton At the beginning of the year, I was terrified. Making the decision to leave the place where I studied for 3 years and to say goodbye to so many important people was extremely difficult. I knew how privileged and lucky I was to not only be accepted at UCT (this was a…

by Refilwe Seleka Saying that my honours year has been difficult would be an understatement. Any word that describes hardship has been added to my life’s vocabulary. From the heaps of work to the long hours on campus, to no recess, to the full independence. However not all is bad because some important skills and…

by Sarah Everett Looking back on this year I can’t believe that in what feels like such a short space of time my understanding of science and particularly my field of infectious disease and immunology has changed so much. Before modules started my understanding of the immune system was so fuzzy it’s a wonder, I…

by Ané Kotzé “Honours is such a busy year”, “You’re going to have very little time for yourself”, “It’s hard, but rewarding”. With a lot of uncomfortable and unhelpful comments, the year started as any other would, filled with fear and anxiety played off as just being nerves or excitement. Not only was I transferring…