Posted on by Itumeleng · 1 Comment

When Africa calls

Eight years. . . That is how long ago I left the shores of sunny South Africa for frigid Montreal (I had a few detours along the way). I am self-sufficient, independent, and uncomfortable in my comfort zone. I have always been a restless spirit and enjoyed spending my time seeking new experiences. Ever since childhood, I have been that way. But, every couple of years or so this feeling creeps up and snatches my heart and screams, AFRICA!

Some call it homesickness — seeking feelings and qualities associated with your home country. For me, it is not about South Africa, but Africa! After all these years, I have learned a thing or two about thwarting homesickness: create new friends/family (check), new traditions (check), learn a new language (oui, Je parle Français maintenant), and keep busy ( Yep, Ph.D. got that covered). But, as clichéd as it may sound- there is no place like Africa. The people, the cultures, the colours, the immense diversity in landscapes and wildlife, and of course the amazing beaches. It is an indescribable feeling. Africa is my home, yes, but Africa is me too!

Whenever I get an opportunity to come home I become overwhelmed with excitement and joy. Every time, I am flooded with anticipation – who am I am going to see? Where will I go? How long will I stay? In previous years, whenever I came home I would plan elaborate road trips with my friends and family to catch up. This time, I am more than excited to not only to see my friends and family but to engage with amazing researchers. My mental preparation includes: deciding which researchers to visit (and there are plenty to choose from), putting my finger on the pulse to understand the discourse of science research in South Africa, and deciding which beaches to visit. For you see dear reader, Africa has awoken and what greater honour is there than seeding back into the continent that made me! I am constantly inspired to hear and read of the great efforts/achievements made by fellow researchers in Africa AND the diaspora envies it all! When historians write about THAT time Africa become a leader in scientific research- they will be talking about THIS moment!

I often wonder if other people ever feel the same way about their countries/cities or even continents. How do you cope with homesickness? Are there any tips to share?

Posted on by Itumeleng

Lessons from the halfway mark

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 As I cross the halfway checkpoint of my Ph.D. studies, I am filled with a sense of awe and a hint of panic. As I previously described, there are many reasons to undertake a Ph.D. in Biology (here). But aside from the grand reasons for starting on this path, I find myself asking if there were any insights I’ve gained that I’d never anticipated. In this post, I want to share three key moments in my Ph.D. thus far that have influenced how I view research and academia in general.

  1. The best-laid plans of men and mice often go awry

Like many before me, when I began my studies I had grand intentions of how my experiments would proceed and had contingency plans. But, as I progress through my studies I realised that research is not as linear as I had anticipated. Now, I know what I’m saying is no news to many of you. But, for someone who has OCD tendencies and perfectionist attributes it is hard sometimes to “just go with the flow” as my cousin would say. I found it extremely difficult to let go and accept the new path unfolding in front of me. This experience has taught me that even with the best-laid plans, in research there must always be room for unexpected turns along the way and I now take solace in that fact.

  1. The road to academic success is paved with collaborations

Increasing advancements in science and technology have made it possible for scientists from different fields to find common ground and work together. I have found attending seminars outside of my narrow field of research not only provides a much-needed mental escape, but also increases the likelihood of meeting scientists who could provide a fresh perspective on my work. As I previously mentioned, identifying a possible collaborator is important, but also maintaining those collaborations. All great scientists of our time have all echoed this message – science does not flourish in a vacuum!

  1. The pursuit of a Ph.D. is lonesome

Yes, I know I just talked about meeting new people. But getting a PhD is perhaps the loneliest journey you’ll ever undertake, and nobody talks about it! Let me explain — nobody else on this planet will be as invested in your project as you, and only you have the power to make it a success. There will be times when even you will grow tired of saying “No, sorry I cannot join you today; I have to run a gel/experiment”, and your project starts invading and occupying every thought that comes into your mind. Ultimately, it all falls on you, and you really will feel alone. But, I do not want to leave you with just a one-sided story; just as nobody is as invested in your project, nobody is as EXCITED about your project as you. ALWAYS remember that! The passion will carry you through.

As I reflect on how far I have come in the short time I have been here, I am filled with excitement when I think about what the future holds. There is nowhere I would rather be than this exact point in time/space (Well, maybe somewhere high up in the Cederberg  🙂 ).