Michelle Pillay | Alumni Story: Just a step at a time
Michelle Pillay • October 3, 2019
Just a step at a time
The above mentioned sentence has taken me through the long journey that is my degree of studying a MBBS in China.
This decision was not made with ease. It was not made on a whim or in a split second. Choosing to study medicine has always been a passion because at my core, my approach to every encounter has always been: “how can I help you, tell me what it is that I can plausibly do to help you.”
In my senior year, my father had had a medical emergency and in an instant: important decisions needed to be made, and although medical personnel explained in great detail, it felt like we were children, listening to the logic of a parent; unable to fully grasp the magnitude of the diseases and triviality of the complications. I hated that feeling – I equate it to drowning whenever I recall that period.
Abbotts was my lifeline at that time, they were and still are my biggest supporters whenever the lines become blurry and the next step seems uncertain.
Leaving my family after that period was the most difficult decision I had made. Letting go of the responsibilities at home and the thought of becoming independent sounds like a dream to any teenager, for me however, it was terrifying – how could I possibly go off into a country where I don’t speak a single word of the language and survive? Let alone thrive.
With the support of my loved ones, friends and family, I did the unimaginable and I didn’t just start my degree, I took a step into what would become the rest of my life – I had begun my journey into satisfying my need to help others.
Doing this in China though has taught me so much more than my medical degree. In the process of obtaining this double major, I have learned about a new culture and I have learned my 3rd language: Mandarin, which I seem to grasp more firmly than Afrikaans (I’m so sorry to my Afrikaans teachers, I hope you will eventually forgive me for looking lost in almost every class).
I grew into my own person here. I learned what I was willing to tolerate and what I was willing to be lenient on. I found a church that has grown from strength to strength and contributed to this growth by running the Tech and Media team. A student based church is by far the most interesting congregation – faith exists in the presence of science and I will cherish that environment for the rest of my days.
Moreover, I have made friends from all over the world and although it is sad that we may never meet again, I take comfort in knowing that if we ever bump into each other at a later stage in our lives – the memories we’ve shared will be unique to this time, where we understood the daunting nature of life without your family.
I would never trade a day of hardship here for more certainty in a different field. It isn’t easy but every moment is worth it in the grander scheme because no one can take away the experience or knowledge I have gained since moving here in 2014.
I am now in my 5th year of Medical school and this really is where theory meets practice. I have mixed feelings about approaching my graduation exams, but again: just a step at a time and we will get to wherever it is we need to be whenever it is we need to be there.
Right now the plan is to get through the graduation exams and decide where I will continue by writing my board exams and beginning my specialisation into Obstetrics and Gynaecology in line with “Intrauterine Surgery” – yes, medicine has progressed to the point that the foetus no longer needs to be born before surgical procedures can be performed; simply amazing.
Michelle Pillay
Abbotts College South Class of 2013
Studying at Shandong Medical University
Jinan, China
ADvTECH SCHOOLS CLAIM TOP HONOURS IN WESSA CENTENARY AWARDS
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As the preliminary and final examinations approach, both students and parents or guardians often experience heightened anxiety and stress. This guide provides practical strategies to help parents and guardians support their children through this critical phase of their academic journey. 1. Foster Effective Organization Create an environment conducive to studying by providing a quiet, well-lit study space equipped with essential stationery. Collaborate with your child to develop a structured study timetable to set clear expectations and promote disciplined preparation. Encourage the use of resources such as past question papers, which serve as valuable tools for revision and practice. 2. Maintain Daily Check-Ins Schedule regular, intentional conversations, such as during dinner, to discuss your child’s progress. Inquire about their experience with the day’s examination paper, adherence to their study schedule, and their feelings about upcoming tests. These check-ins foster open communication and allow you to gauge their emotional and academic state. 3. Minimize Distractions Help your child stay focused by keeping electronic devices like phones, tablets, and gaming consoles out of reach during study sessions. Set boundaries on screen time and social media access to prevent procrastination. While challenging, limiting Wi-Fi access during study hours can significantly enhance productivity. 4. Support Emotional Awareness Encourage your child to identify and articulate their emotions, such as anxiety, stress, or fatigue . Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them effectively. Discuss coping strategies to help them navigate emotional challenges during this period. 5. Teach Self-Regulation Techniques Guide your child in practicing self-regulation to manage stress. Techniques include: Breathing Exercises : Inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and repeat. Sensory Focus : Identify five things they can see or hear to ground themselves in the moment. Tactile Stimulation : Hold a cold object to shift focus and reduce anxiety. These methods can help your child regain calm and focus during stressful moments. 6. Promote a Balanced Routine Prolonged study sessions late into the night can lead to burnout. Monitor your child’s study habits and encourage breaks to maintain balance. Plan activities such as outings with friends, a family meal, or short recreational periods with access to devices. Engaging in non-academic activities, like helping prepare dinner, can provide a refreshing change of focus. 7. Prioritize Self-Care Support your child’s well-being by ensuring they: Eat nutritious, regular meals. Get at least eight hours of sleep by limiting screen time before bed. Engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, dancing, or gym workouts. These practices help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common during examination periods. 8. Practice Empathy and Patience The examination period can be emotionally taxing for both students and parents. Approach your child with empathy, actively listening and offering guidance without criticism. This fosters a supportive environment, bolstering their mental health and sense of inclusion. By implementing these strategies, parents and guardians can play a pivotal role in helping their children navigate the challenges of examinations with confidence and resilience. Good luck to all the Grade 12 students with the upcoming examinations - you most certainly can do it!
