As I write this post entry, I am sitting on a new couch, in a new apartment, in a new city, which also happens to be in a new province. Now, for someone who has lived at home my whole life, this is a huge deal. But, even though I am far from my home, and my family and friends, and I’ll have to rely on Google Maps to find my way around this new area, I feel like this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I am excited to be here, and I cannot wait for what is to come. My apologies for going more than a month without writing on this space, but as important as it is to engage and connect with people, it is as important to take time to reflect and disconnect. Since this is my first post for 2020, I think it is fitting that I release this rather big news without further delay and tell you all about the next step in my life, which I have been extremely eager to share.
Ten Years Ago…
In 2010, I began my degree in Mechanical Engineering. And now, a decade later, I am back at university starting to work towards another degree. People often ask us to imagine ourselves in ten years’ time, to picture what life would be like down the line, and to have a conversation with our older, (hopefully) wiser selves. Well, I don’t know about you, but this is NOT what I thought my life would be like ten years ago. If you read the posts on my “About” page, you will see that back then I was playing this game called life, with no other purpose than to advance through the levels as quickly as possible and, ultimately, to win. I wasn’t sure what that meant exactly, or what it would take, when it would end, or who I was trying to compete with, but I my mind, it involved getting a career that would allow me to earn enough money for a fancy car, a fancy house and to be associated with people who was as wealthy and fancy as me. Honestly speaking, ten years ago, I wouldn’t even have recognised the the person I am today, but I am extremely grateful for that.
For those of you who have not read my “About” page, I would recommend you have a look so you can get some context and background to my story. You will see that it was only five or six years after I matriculated that I realised there is more to life than I had previously thought. And once I had this realisation, in the next two to three years, I made it my mission to see the bigger picture, figure out my purpose, and live the rest of my life fulfilling it.
Where Am I and Why Am I Here?
Okay, so, I haven’t yet said where I am exactly or what degree I’m studying towards, but it is the city that is home to the oldest university in Africa, as well as the world famous hospital where the first successful heart transplant was completed by Dr Christiaan Barnard in 1967. For those of you who still haven’t guessed, it is Cape Town! And the hospital where this amazing procedure was performed, is Groote Shuur Hospital, which will feature as my teaching center for the next six years. I have embarked on a journey to study medicine at the University of Cape Town.
When Did I Decide I Want To Be A Medical Doctor?
A question I have been asked tens of times since revealing the news to my friends and colleagues, is what made me decide to leave my well-established career in engineering and go back to university after all these years? Am I worried about what people might say or about having to study and write exams again? Well, for me, the decision was actually quite easy. It was not hasty, or something I had to deliberate about much at all. After my time spent in Rishikesh during March 2019, I came back with new interests and passions, and my purpose was clearer than ever. I already knew I am meant to help and serve people and the world, which I had been trying to do for some time, but now, I needed to do more. After deep discussions with my parents (both of whom have been my rock-solid support system throughout this transition) we looked at how best I would be able to follow this purpose, and at the end of it, I knew I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a medical doctor. A career that will allow me to directly change lives and make a positive impact in the world (not to say that engineers are not able to do that in their own ways). So, I applied to UCT, facing their strict selection criteria and processes, and, as they say, the rest is history. As soon as I received the news that I had been accepted, I wasted no time getting down here and setting myself up for the next six years.
Regarding the question about whether I feel strange or awkward being back at university again after ten years, and now being one of the older students in the class, the answer is not really, no. If anything, I actually feel more comfortable and confident going into this degree because I have done this before. I have years of ‘real’ life experience and I have learnt many lessons and gained a wealth of knowledge while studying, working and travelling, all of which I can use to make this time much easier and more enjoyable.
If You Always Follow Your Purpose, You Will Never Feel Lost
So, there you have it, from mechanical engineer to (soon to be) medical doctor (student for now). It was a huge decision to make, which brought about a significant change in my life. However, like I mentioned in the beginning of this post, it was not a difficult decision to make because, no matter what, I am always working towards my purpose and keeping the bigger picture in mind. I hope to, one day, be able to marry the two disciplines (engineering and medicine) and develop ways to improve, and maybe even revolutionise, the medical industry.
Leave A Positive Imprint On People’s Lives Wherever You Go
Another important reason I made the decision to follow where my purpose is taking me, is because it is what I wish to tell and encourage people around me to do. And if I don’t follow my own words of advice, I cannot expect anyone to follow it either. I choose to lead by example; and by making brave decisions and doing things that are somewhat unconventional and ‘by the book’, I hope to show people the possibilities, and to inspire and motivate people to find their own purpose, live a meaningful life, and to not let others tell you that you can’t.
I am exactly where I need to be, and it just feels right. Are you?
I would love to hear from you so please feel free to send through your comments or questions, or even your own stories and experiences.
Bye for now…