In 2017, a young student from the Free State graduated high school with an impressive five distinctions, landing a spot among the Top 100 Achievers in the province. This achievement marked the culmination of years of dedication for Palesa Mooko, supported by extra classes at Kutlwanong and valuable resources from the Siyandisa Foundation. With a tablet and data from the foundation, Palesa was able to expand her access to learning materials and streamline her studies.

Palesa's dream to pursue medicine soon became a reality when she was accepted to study for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Her first year at Wits were mostly smooth, without the anticipated struggles that come with adapting to university life. But when the first test—a chemistry exam—returned a score of 45%, Palesa faced a setback. “This was my first academic failure, and while it was initially discouraging, it also served as a wake-up call. I knew I had to work even harder,” she shared. Driven by determination, Palesa committed to long hours at the Wartenweiler Library, and the results soon followed. She not only saw an improvement in her grades but were inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society.

Yet, as the second year began, new challenges arose. The closure of the 24-hour section at Wartenweiler Library forced Palesa to find a new study space, and the long commute to the FNB Library added to the frustrations. Despite trying her best, she struggled with motivation and, ultimately, failed a module—an experience that taught her a difficult lesson in adaptability. In medicine, there is no option to carry failed modules forward, which meant Palesa had to repeat the module. However, her bursary did not cover the costs for this additional year of study.

Determined not to let this setback define her, Palesa fought through another year, even as challenges continued into her third year. Mental health struggles took a toll, affecting both her academic performance and physical well-being. By the end of the year, illness delayed two final exams, only to be compounded by an injury requiring surgery. Unable to meet the minimum requirements, Palesa faced academic exclusion, a devastating outcome that led to an emotionally painful gap year. “I felt as though I had failed, and it was a struggle to come to terms with my situation,” she recalled.

During this time, Palesa appealed her exclusion and volunteered at a local hospital to stay connected to the healthcare field, but the appeal was unsuccessful. Faced with an uncertain future, she finally made a bold decision: she would pursue a nursing program at the University of the Free State, with the goal of reapplying to Wits through the Graduate Entry Medical Program (GEMP).

The shift to nursing proved challenging in unexpected ways. Working in the hospital, side-by-side with medical students, Palesa was reminded of her original path she had set for herself. she wrestled with feelings of shame, as those who knew her had expected a flawless academic journey. But the support from the Siyandisa Foundation remained steadfast, offering aid for textbooks, funding, and uniforms. Slowly, Palesa began to see the beauty in her unique journey. “It would be a shame to come this far and think it ends here,” she often reminded herself, holding tightly to the dream that first inspired her.

Palesa's path has been anything but straightforward, yet it is one of profound resilience and unwavering commitment. Today, she's performing well in nursing and are embracing the journey, finding purpose and strength through each step. With plans still rooted in a future as a doctor, she has become a testament to the power of resilience in the face of adversity, determined to one day realise her dream.