S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)
Menu
Monique Davidson is studying Medicine
In 2019 I matriculated from C en N Meisieskool Oranje in Bloemfontein, Free State. This is a school dedicated to producing young ladies, each contributing to society in their own unique manner. Here I received all the tools needed to make a success of my time at school and to prepare me for what was to come. I am currently studying Medicine at the University of the Free State.
I think people tend to struggle with math and science due to the perceptions created about it by others. From incredibly early in school we are told how difficult mathematics and science are, especially from Grade 10 onwards. I think it is important that older students should portray maths and science in a positive light when giving advice to younger students. We should encourage them to take these subjects as they can open an endless number of doors in the future. We should assure them that yes, science and maths might be more time-consuming subjects, but it is doable. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
I enjoy a challenge and love problem solving. Mathematics and science were in my experience the most rewarding subjects. There is nothing quite like it when you finally solve the mathematical problem you had been struggling with for the last hour. I also enjoy working with numbers and tend to be much better at working with numbers, remembering facts or thinking logically about situations than partaking in cultural or language related activities.
I am inspired by my surroundings. Throughout my life I have been very privileged to have every opportunity and tool to do well in school and to make a success in my life and studies after school. Not using these opportunities that my parents and teachers have worked so hard to make available to me would be an absolute waste. These opportunities inspire me to do well and achieve as much as I can with them. I believe that it is very important to grab each opportunity that is thrown your way so that you will not be able to look back at your life one day and regret those that you did not take.
I chose this career path because it gives me the opportunity to combine the two things I am passionate about, science and people. Medicine gives me the opportunity to work in a scientific field, but with the all-important aspect of human interaction. Medicine also gives one a diverse range of career opportunities. Not only are you able to alleviate peoples’ pain on a day to day basis, but you have the opportunity to change the world by finding new cures and medicine through medical research.
During our teenage years we are expected to make some of our most important life decisions and decide what we want to do for the rest of our lives. I want to tell them that it is okay not to know exactly what you want to do. A gap year is often frowned upon, but I believe that if you do not know what you want to do after school, take a year to shadow different professions and figure out what is your calling. I would also like to remind the youth to follow their dreams, no matter how far-fetched it may be to those around you.
My tip to Grade 11 and 12 learners would simply be to work hard and to give their last year or two their all. Ignore those who tell you that your goal is far-fetched or impossible. Set your mind to what you what to achieve, plan how you are going to achieve it and go for it. Persevere and prove those who told you you couldn’t achieve your goal wrong. While working hard, remember to take a break and enjoy your last moments at school. Do not wish it away, because before you know it, it will be over.
My advice would be to apply to as many institutions as you can. You do not always get into your first choice and therefore having back-up options can be useful to reduce possible hurdles that could stand in your way of making your dream a reality. I also would also like to advise them to stay calm and remain hopeful throughout the process. Once you have submitted your application all you can do is wait for a reply. Remember you might not get in during the first round of selection, but do not become negative or give up on your dream. Wait, hold on a little longer. Remain hopeful and remember that what is supposed to happen will happen and when one door closes a new one always opens.
In 10 years’ time I will be a practicing doctor. I would love to specialise and further develop my knowledge in a particular filed. I am not sure in what I want to specialise in, but I look forward to developing my interest over the course of the next few years and finding out exactly what my calling is. I am also interested in getting involved with the “Doctors without borders” program. The work done by these doctors is inspiring and I would be honored to one day be able to be a part of this team.
An achiever is someone who is dedicated, works hard and never gives up. An achiever is also someone who is extremely self-disciplined and knows how to sometimes say no to going out with friends because they know an important test is coming up. Being an achiever is a choice that you make. You need to choose what you want to be exceptional in and stick to it no matter how many or how big the hurdles you will have to get over to do so are.
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
Subscribe to our eNews
Sign up to receive news on what is happening in science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation in South Africa