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2015 – What a year!

2015
By Yonela Z. Njisane

Ever found yourself in a position and you don’t even know how you got there? That’s me this year. I only realised when I was writing my presentation for the NRF Role Modelling campaign in the middle of the year that I had so many responsibilities. I didn’t even notice I was all over the show. Is that a good or a bad thing? I mean how can I not know what I am getting at or doing?

Apart from my own personal life (which doesn’t seem to feature much), I had about 5 “occupations”; some seasonal and some full time. Trust me, this is not a complaint — I am somehow proud of myself, as I forget what I am capable of sometimes. Allow me to walk you through it all…

  1. The core business- PhD candidate  

    The PhD process; Field - lab - write up...
    The PhD process; Field – lab – write up…

To my horror, almost all my field and lab work had to both start and finish this year – I did not get my anticipated two years for data collection. Over 80% of my PhD work has to be done by the end of this month! Thanks to the support from NRF (National Research Foundation) and RMRDT (Red Meat Research and Development Trust) that came through as research and bursary funding, and my supervisor for guidance on developing successful grant proposals. I have to pull this off; yeah! Yeah! I am not done YET! And I know, “Don’t shout until you are out of the woods!”

I am not budging. I mean, I promised myself to get my doctoral degree at the age of 26 and that time is now. I trust in the promises and the strength from the Lord to see me through; I came this far, didn’t I? Every hour now counts.

  1. Student tutor
With some learners at the NRF Role-Modelling Campaign
With some learners at the NRF Role-Modelling Campaign

I have been tutoring animal science courses for some years now; it’s not my best field though. As a shorty, standing in front of a couple of juniors, with no title (i.e. Doctor lol) is no child’s play. I love helping out and ploughing back in, but sometimes just run out of patience. Overall, I enjoyed tutoring the research class for the past two years. Unfortunately I had to let go of it this year after serving for a few months, due to my hectic schedule and having two appointments in the same institution. So I chose…

  1. Student Research Assistant

I started on this mid-2014 and it has been both challenging and exciting. I’m undertaking this for the Meat Science and Food Security research group under the leadership of Prof V. Muchenje. At first there wasn’t much work — or so I thought. However, this year tasks and responsibilities multiplied. I love it because I got a chance to exercise some of my skills and develop some more as a person, a researcher, a leader, and much more.

Attendees of the 2015 Annual Postgraduate Workshop at Empekweni Beach Resort – One of my projects as research assistant.
Attendees of the 2015 Annual Postgraduate Workshop at Empekweni Beach Resort – One of my projects as research assistant.

The platform allows me to work with a variety of students in my research group; from different backgrounds/nationalities, age groups and academic levels as well as the involved staff. I am an organiser and liaison. My responsibilities includes organizing workshops and seminars (concept, programmes, speakers, bookings etc.) for students, serving as a resource person, working with the admin office to align financial account transactions and student research activities, policy making, and contributing to grant proposal and conference presentations. Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? But I found it more varied and rewarding than “just” tutoring.

  1. South African Society for Animal Science – Eastern Cape Branch student-executive member

Well, this role taught me one thing: keep a low profile in meetings! Otherwise, you get noticed… This duty landed on my lap during the launch of the South African Society for Animal Science – Eastern Cape Branch early in 2014. I honestly think it was because I talked a lot, asking questions and making comments. Turned out I trapped myself lol. We started as six members and there was nothing much we did then, besides one or two brainstorming meetings.

Prof Voster Muchenje (supervisor and mentor) and Mr Nico Fouché (CEO of Milk S.A.) and some participants of the SASAS-EC Mini-symposium at the University of Fort Hare.
Prof Voster Muchenje (supervisor and mentor) and Mr Nico Fouché (CEO of Milk S.A.) and some participants of the SASAS-EC Mini-symposium at the University of Fort Hare.

Our biggest and relevant task was our very first mini-symposium that we hosted this year, which was not so “mini” in terms of preparation. On top of our daily responsibilities at work/school, we required constant meetings and organizing of everything; it was quite demanding. I am proud to have been part of it all though, making history. We brought together academics (including under- and postgraduate students), industry (CEO’s and reps) and E.C. government officials, to share and discuss key issues in animal science. It was a new experience for me and we pulled it off. Whoever will take over from us will have to top that. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we ended up being just four members even before seeing it through, with one member stepping down and the other passing on.

  1. The obvious- SAYAS PhD blogger  

    Call me old-fashioned but 98% of my blog articles began on paper before transfering to the computer - works for me (I have hand written notes for my experimental chapters too). I write ideas before I lose them – I easily forget these days – old age is near, it seems!
    Call me old-fashioned but 98% of my blog articles began on paper before transfering to the computer – works for me (I have hand written notes for my experimental chapters too). I write ideas before I lose them – I easily forget these days – old age is near, it seems!

It feels great to have been one of the VERY FIRST SAYAS PhD BLOGGERS!!! Though challenging, especially the last two months, it’s been epic. I must publicly apologize to Aliza for having to start reminding me of my responsibility (covers face), I have been consumed by this PhD business. The agreement was that I write a fresh and original story with pictures every month from April to December 2015. Yes, this is my last one :-(. With every story I wrote, it came from my heart; I always hoped to touch, motivate and influence or speak for somebody in the same boat. I hope I have fulfilled my purpose in this regard.

Part of this deal was to also complete a blogging course with the S.A. Writers College. It brought its own demands with assignments and the creation of a new blog account. And I didn’t expect any of this (I don’t know what I was expecting!). The plan was to finish it in a month, but I did it in six weeks and walked away with my distinction :-).

 

From me to you…

All these experiences have taught me that not everything is about money when you are building a career; sometimes the skill and exposure are far more important. They taught me to multitask, take responsibility, take initiative, and develop a better approach towards people and situations. I learned patience, humility, ethics, positive attitude, and different kinds of management skills, to mention just a few expertise.

Nothing comes easy. Run away if it does, chances are there’s a catch. Work and earn your rewards - expecting handouts is like slowly killing yourself in all possible ways.
Nothing comes easy. Run away if it does, chances are there’s a catch. Work and earn your rewards – expecting handouts is like slowly killing yourself in all possible ways.

But also, whatever you do, you can make a difference. It does not have to be a job where the job description is “Make a difference to people!” It all depends on your own attitude, whatever your career is. I have a dream to be of relevance to the world in whatever I do and where ever I go; I am hungry for excellence. I live everyday hoping and striving to make a difference, with my words and actions, directly and indirectly, for the benefit of those around me and for the glory of God. This blog (and my previous ones) was meant to motivate you; you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I hope you have been inspired and that you will also be an inspiration to others.

Colin Powell said “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” And I say after all is achieved, remain humble- “work hard in silence and let success make the noise” (Frank Ocean). I wish everyone the best, including myself. By this time next year, I hope I will be deepening my research expertise, acquiring new and effective skills, while I develop a niche in my research area. Cheers!

Posted on by SAYAS

The beginning of the end

By Yonela Z. Njisane

Rubbing shoulders with the big guns -- the new Dr Amanda Yucca Chulayo
Rubbing shoulders with the big guns — the new Dr Amanda Yucca Chulayo

Just the other day a senior colleague and a big sis, Dr Amanda Yucca Chulayo, graduated with her doctoral degree in Agriculture-Animal Science. It was a great achievement and the beginning of a new chapter for her. For me it was inspiring and motivating. The thing is, she is “one of us”- another girl from the small town of Cofimvaba, blossoming for the whole world to witness.

Myself and Amanda, some years ago. I would like to think the conversation was about our work on cattle, getting some tips from the sweetest breed - Boran.
Myself and Amanda, some years ago. I would like to think the conversation was about our work on cattle, getting some tips from the sweetest breed – Boran.

Seeing her make it out strong despite of all the ups and downs I have seen and heard from her about her academic journey made me reflect on my own share of troubles. See, the journey itself may be bitter at times but the fruits to bear at the end are certainly sweeter. I know it’s hard to think about the sugary side of it when you are busy climbing the mountain with its obstacles.
As Greg Child said “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit, is the answer to the mystery why we climb”

 

The last picture I took with the Boys just before they were transported.
The last picture I took with the Boys just before they were transported.

It sure is a climb…
I am currently in the phase of my studies I would like to refer to as “The beginning of the end.” It has been a long and hectic five months of data collection and everything before and after that. The Boys are gone and I don’t really want to talk about it. They were loved dearly.
In short, we wrapped up all the behavioural observations and physiological sampling. I had to organize all the administrative issues around the slaughter processes. The observations and sampling was followed up during transportation and slaughter. And now, at the “almost” end, I am only left with some lab analyses.
Well, for obvious reasons, a part of me is glad it is all slowly coming to an end. But so far, I’ve learned more than I thought I could, and I think it’s not nearly the end of the learning process for me, even though I am edging closer and closer to that Dr title.
I think I am going to start writing a journal on “lessons of the day” just to make sure no day goes by without a dose of daily development. For instance, I have learnt a lot about myself, other people, different animal species and a long list of skills during this period of my studies:
• Selfie 101: I learnt that Yonela (Myself) is a strict, highly organized (Oh Yes I am!!!), straight forward and a professional person, period! She pays attention to details and she doesn’t really allow room for negotiations when it comes to that. Over time she can lose her cool when her patience is being tested. She gets frustrated when things are not going in order. She may be a sensitive person but she is very forgiving and has a big heart. She has learned to talk about herself in the third person 😉 and she might be doing better that she realizes…
• Society 101: I have learned that not everyone is as bad as I always perceived (personal experience). There are still good hearts out there, like those that tirelessly devoted their time and energy assisting me with my field work. As a good friend said in Shona “Yu werokamu” which means “we help each other,” and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I would have ever practically learned and seen the significance of that concept.
Of course you also have to learn the tough lessons about people. A friend made me realise that people will always talk. Whether you do “good or bad” there will always be those that are simply not satisfied with you. Sometimes you may know the reasons but sometimes you may not. But you can’t live trying to please other people. The lesson there is that you always strive to do the right thing, stick to your path without even trying to please anyone but God… in that way you will be safe.
• Animal 101: The time I spent at the farm was my favourite part of this PhD process. I always say that animals are the best creatures. I learned that it’s not just dogs and cats that are interesting, with that ability to amaze and make you smile. All animal species are fascinating and entertaining in their own way (but, sure, I may be biased a little bit…).

The Boys filling up in the afternoon for an evening snack -- it's their favourite time to graze.
The Boys filling up in the afternoon for an evening snack — it’s their favourite time to graze.

For instance, I didn’t know that donkeys were such anti-social creatures. We (with the Boys) were in the same paddock with them the other day and they would make sure to move further away whenever we got closer. But most of all, the animals I have studied all taught me to stay true to myself and always stick to the people that support and understand me.
• Time 101: Who would have thought that I (without being pushed) would make decisions to go to the field on weekends – even long ones and holidays? When I joined postgraduate studies I was told that there are no holidays at this level but I would always steal myself some time. I now have learnt the importance of each and every second. Time adds or subtracts towards the goal, depending on how it’s used.
Don’t they say you reap what you sow? I believe that! For every sacrifice there is a reward. One of the greatest examples is in the Bible, that of Jesus on the cross. One just needs to focus on the mission at hand and be disciplined, keeping the ultimate end in mind. What is a couple of holidays and weekends compared to the time of harvest? The ultimate goal…

All in all…

The last day of paddock behavioural observations -- my catwalk to the finish line.
The last day of paddock behaviour observations — my catwalk to the finish line.

One has to take a breath every now and again to reflect. As the Greek philosopher Socrates famously said, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” and that is true about the smaller parts of that life, including the PhD journey. Every journey is a teacher; either you take the lessons positively or negatively. What matters is the destination, which should inform your decisions. Whenever you feel discouraged, find inspiration from wherever you are. It could be from within or from other people or things. Just keep taking those steps towards the finish line.