My name is Hlumisa Nqala and I am a 5th-year medical student at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University. I am from Bizana in the Eastern Cape. I am the third born of seven children at home. I live with my parents, my siblings, niece and cousin. My mother works as an educator and is the breadwinner of the family.
I chose to study medicine because I am passionate about it and love helping people. I also want to improve healthcare and service provision in my community and the local hospital.
With Aspen Pharmacare funding me, I will achieve all these goals because it helps me get the education that I need. It takes care of my tuition, accommodation, food and book allowances, giving me the opportunity to study without worrying about what I am going to eat or where I am going to get books to study.
It has also decreased the financial strain on my family since they don't have to pay for anything towards my studies.
UYDF is also very supportive of my academics and my well-being. They have provided me with mentors who help me achieve better results and give emotional support whenever I'm going through challenges at school or in my personal life. The foundation has really made life easy for me and I am extremely grateful.