The top two Bachelor of Medical Science Honours students in Medical Biochemistry are cum laude graduates, Ms Avishka Chewpersad and Ms Aaliyah Mangerah.
‘I had a long-term goal of studying Medicine but was never accepted into Medical School during my undergrad years. Getting back into studying, I needed to prove to myself and to the University that I am ready to study further,’ said Chewpersad.
‘I have tremendously supportive friends and family. Most definitely there were challenges. Returning to studying after many years was a change that I needed to get accustomed to. However, the support and encouragement from the Medical Biochemistry Department lecturers was motivating towards achieving cum laude. I also did not have any financial assistance and worked full-time during my honours degree. Maintaining a balance between studying and working was challenging at times.’
Now accepted into the MBChB programme at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Chewpersad aspires to venture into surgery and pathology as well as integrate research and clinical practice.
‘My undergrad years were not my brightest academic years; however, I started my honours degree with a completely different mindset and was recognised as one of UKZN’s top 100 woman in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in 2022. Persevere towards your academic goals while living a balanced lifestyle so you won’t have the regret of “missing out on life”.
‘A hobby that has turned into a passion and part-time career is dancing. I am a graduate of the Indian classical dance form – Bharatanatyam – and I teach dancing on weekends. Dancing has helped me to cope with academic stress,’ Chewpersad added.
‘I won’t lie; it was a really tough year. An honours degree is vastly different from an undergraduate one, which makes this achievement even more rewarding. I’m really proud of myself,’ said Mangerah.
‘I’ve always enjoyed studying and learning new things, particularly in the Medical Science department. When I completed my undergraduate degree, there was never a question of whether or not I was going to study further; I was certain about continuing my studies and growing my scientific skills.
‘I’m currently a master’s student in Medical Biochemistry and would love to do a PhD and continue working in scientific research,’ she added.
‘A lot of credit goes to my family for supporting me in this venture and always believing I could do great things… My wonderful husband said he never doubted that I would accomplish this, and my parents echoed the sentiment. I’m endlessly grateful for their support.
‘I’ve only been at UKZN for a year, and it was a wonderful (albeit stressful) one. The lecturers and academics in Medical Biochemistry are amazingly communicative and supportive, and they played a huge role in my accomplishment.’
Mangerah was identified as one of the 100 top-performing female students completing a STEM degree at UKZN and was invited to a high tea in honour of women in STEM hosted by Johnson & Johnson in conjunction with the University. ‘It was incredible being in the presence of so many strong women,’ she said.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
