2020: A journey of belief and discovery
New Year's Day 2020 was celebrated as per usual, with fireworks signifying the beginning of a year of hope and happiness and an opportunity to turn a new leaf but little did we know that this change would require sacrifices like we've never experienced before.
At the end of January 2020, COVID-19 made international headlines and whilst the death rate climbed, many were still not perturbed by the new threat in town. Like the chameleon, the virus spread unnoticeably to each country until it could no longer be camouflaged. Suddenly, general symptoms such as sore throat, high fever and shortness of breath became life-changing. In March 2020, South Africa recorded her first confirmed COVID-19 cases and a lockdown implemented later that month would change the way we communicated and commuted. It affected how we conducted our routines and face mask wearing became the norm.
At this point in time, I had only attended a three-day orientation programme and a month's lectures of medical school due to protests delaying commencement of the academic year. The start to first year was unique-not the typical freshers' experience but here I was returning home (yippee) and continuing my journey towards finding me , my authentic self. The first few months were truthfully overwhelming. A new workload and learning style, all online on a new communication platform but that's part of the growth process. I used this new experience as an opportunity to discover my strengths and weaknesses. I began taking Zoom ballet classes to help build a routine for myself. The bedroom became a study by day whilst the living room became a ballet studio by night. As lockdown restrictions eased, my mommy, twin sister and I pushed our comfort zone by taking a hike up the beautiful mountain. How wonderful it was to experience the beauty of nature again- an aspect we often take for granted.
As the year progressed Zoom lectures, tutorials and examinations became more manageable. First year was starting to feel like an adventure I was ready to conquer. Small steps throughout the year enabled me to maintain my motivation and drive to complete the academic year. I ended the academic year off strong, and I began to feel stronger, not only physically but mentally too. Six years for a medicine degree may sound like a lifetime in Matric but now that I am a sixth of the way down, this vital year has set my foundation to ensure that I can tackle life's challenges and serve my community with kindness, love and compassion.
In a year of uncertainty, it is not easy to identify opportunity in complex situations. However, as we overcome difficulty, we become more resilient. Our strengths are what motivates us and our weaknesses enable us to grow from within
