Alumni

Pushing studies against Covid-19 odds

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Mutshidziwa Buthelezi

It was a day like any other, with nothing to worry about. At the same time, it was a day that changed my life forever. It was a day of fear and anxiety.

My husband had "flu symptoms" and went to the doctor, who recommended a Covid-19 test. With anxiety, he took the test and the results came back positive.

My children and I had to test as well. In July 2020, my daughters’ tests and mine came back positive, but my son tested negative. Reality hit in the blink of an eye. My thoughts were running like an angry river, the sun turned grey, water tasted sour and we were not peaceful.

The nights were long with lack of rest as my mind was working overtime. I had no energy to study and my husband and children needed a pillar of strength by their side.

When I spoke to a Unisa academic, Dr Elizabeth Cornelia Rudolph, about the situation, she comforted me and kept telling me that I would make it. That gave me strength as my body was weak, but my mind was hungry to study.

I woke up with fear every morning, asking myself if my husband and children were still breathing. I moved from one bedroom to another, checking up on them not knowing what to expect. Two weeks of isolation felt like two years due to sleepless nights as I was wondering if we would be alive the next day.

With encouragement from Dr Rudolph, I managed to submit all my assignments and write examinations. I was able to do all my modules in one year and completed my Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management.

Indeed, the human mind is powerful. Positive mentality can help overcome challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic is real and has brought unprecedented challenges. However, students need to soldier on with their studies to obtain best results.

I wish everyone success with their 2021 examinations.

* By Mutshidziwa Buthelezi, Unisa Alumna

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Publish date: 2021-10-25 00:00:00.0

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