Life as a medical student can be rife with challenges. Here, Ikaneng Yingwane explains how he is combatting tight finances while juggling his coursework.

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There have been talks of the economy being in a decline, and I was oblivious to that reality until I found myself in the middle of it. I started the year in limbo, not knowing whether or not I have funding for the 2024 academic year. Registration was one hurdle, and the finances for the year ahead were another. The lack of communication from my sponsors exacerbated the situation, needless to say I had clinicals to attend irrespective of being without an adequate meal, and that was the drill for the first couple of weeks.

Under normal circumstances, knowing that I am not alone in the struggle would be comforting. In this case, the thought of it sent a chill down my spine because it meant a plethora of students are uncertain about their academic future. Eventually, when the sponsors finally communicated, they mentioned that it was going to be another month or so before my living allowances could be disbursed. To say I went to into a downward spiral would be an understatement, as I felt all emotions possible with despair at the forefront. The supplementary finances I received from home were enough to carry me through most of the days.

I tried to not let the situation throw me off course, and I thus had to invoke the “multi-faceted” side of being a student, by putting on my entrepreneurial hat. In collaboration with a friend, I opened a small business offering printing services which operates 24/7; students alike have taken a liking to it because it enables them to be flexible with their printing times. This venture has since provided some relief while I await my living allowances and soldier on with the coursework.

Turning adversity into a life lesson has become a part of my modus operandi, and the financial crises that we are faced with is no different. My takeaway from this is that sometimes it is best to plan for rainy days even when you are not sure when those days would come.

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