Corlene Maass

Corlene hopes to see the fields of biomedicine and healthcare grow in order to have a positive impact on more people.

Corlene is studying for a BSc (Biomedical Mathematical Science) at Stellenbosch University (SU). She matriculated at Duineveld High School in Upington in the Northern Cape.

“Learn from your failures and never let the negative aspects of life steal your spark.”

Explain why you chose the course/s you are studying?

I chose to study for a BSc (Biomedical Mathematical Sciences) at SU. This course explores the intersection of mathematics, statistics, computer science and biology. This interdisciplinary approach allows professionals in this field to collaborate with experts from various disciplines to address diverse challenges in healthcare. I want to make an impact on both the field of biomedicine and the people I work with. This course enables me to contribute to research that will deepen our understanding of biological systems. I will also contribute to improving patient outcomes.

Who or what inspired you to pursue these studies?

My parents. My home was filled with warm love. My parents support me in everything I want to try. After obtaining my degree, I want to do my master’s in biomedical engineering. I believe this is the perfect combination of my parents’ passions – my mother’s love for medicine and healthcare and my father’s love for engineering. They helped me pursue a degree I would love, and I am so grateful for that. Due to the lack of financial assistance, my mother had to choose accountancy, her second-best interest, as a career because she could study while she worked. Her goal for her two children was always for us to study full-time at a university in a course that aligns with our interests.

What would you like to see changed in the world, and how do you see yourself contributing to such a change?

I want to see the world of biomedicine and healthcare grow to have a positive impact on more people. This growth would involve areas such as treatment strategies, predicting disease progression, and identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Where did you complete your schooling? (name of school and area where it is situated) Tell us a bit about this school and your teachers.

I finished matric in Upington in the Northern Cape at Duineveld High School. My school was success-driven. This helped me to challenge myself and to work hard for what I want. My teachers were caring and loving. They were always keen to help me when I struggled with work.

What did you enjoy about physical science and maths at school?

I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of these subjects at school. The subjects consisted of complex problems that were satisfying to solve. I love that maths and physical science can be applied in the real world. Physical science allow you to explore and understand the natural world.

Why do you think some people have problems doing well in maths and science? What advice do you have for school learners who struggle with these subjects?

People struggle with maths or science when they haven’t been taught these subjects correctly and thoroughly from the start. When the basic groundwork isn’t laid, they will struggle more and more to understand and retain difficult concepts. My first piece of advice is to go back to the basic concepts when you find yourself struggling. My next piece of advice is to never just accept that you don’t understand something. Ask questions and ask again when you have doubts. Extra work can only benefit you, so don’t put it aside.

Any tips for learners in grades 11 and 12?

Prioritise your academics. Your education is something no one can take away from you. Education empowers success-driven individuals by providing them with knowledge, and skills like problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. In grades 11 and 12 explore your interest. Look into different subjects, extracurricular activities, and career options. Try to participate in sports, clubs, volunteer work, or part-time jobs. Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and your commitments all at once will be challenging. However, you should see this as an opportunity to learn how to effectively manage your time by creating schedules and avoiding procrastination.

What advice do you have for matriculants who have to apply for places in higher education institutions?

Just breathe. This is the most important factor to remember when it comes to applying for higher education institutions. People will constantly put pressure on you to immediately decide what you want to pursue for a career. You will get many questions like: ‘Have you applied to university yet?’, ‘Have you been accepted?’, or ‘Have you planned your career path?’ All these questions can get overwhelming . Remember just because your process is slower than others, it does not mean that it is the wrong path. So, relax, breathe, and figure your path out step by step. Everything will work out in the end when you believe in yourself. And remember to check in with your friends to make sure they are still doing well in these stressful times.

Understanding excellence – what makes an achiever?

I believe in the three P’s: passion, purpose, and perseverance. Achievers are driven by a strong sense of passion. Knowing their purpose helps them stay deeply committed to their goals, keep a clear vision, and stay disciplined. Achievers realise perseverance, dedication, and hard work are what empower success-driven individuals.

A message to South African youth in general?

To the youth of South Africa (SA), also known as our future leaders. Let us not be afraid of growing up. Remember to never fall into the trap of complaining about adult life. Keep your ‘childlike mind and views’ that believe nothing is impossible. Dream big, set ambitious goals, and work tirelessly to achieve them. Learn from your failures and never let the negative aspects of life steal your spark. Let us embrace our paths and grow to set a good example for the ones that follow us.

A message to the teachers at your school/s?

A message to my dance teacher: Thank you for kickstarting the process of shaping me into the woman I am becoming. I will never forget the three sentences you made us say to ourselves each day. “I matter, “I am important,” and “I am enough”. Your advice, love, and care cannot be found somewhere else. Thank you for the incredible impact you have on so many girls. A message to my accounting teacher: Thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and accuracy. You taught me to show up even on the tough days. I will forever remember your classes for the little life lessons you taught me – often without even realising it.

If you had ONE opportunity to speak directly to a very influential person, who would you choose and what would you say to them?

I would love to speak to Rosalind Franklin, a female chemist born in 1920 whose x ray diffraction studies provided important clues to the structure of DNA and consequently confirmed the Watson-Crick DNA model. I would ask her about her journey. I would like to know how she dealt with the fact that, because of her gender, neither her family nor society believed she should pursue science as a career. It would be interesting to know how she was able to rise above criticism. I would also love to just have a conversation with her about science in general. I always enjoy time spent talking to people who understand my passions.

National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)