If you’ve managed to secure seven distinctions at school, it’s probably fair to say that you are no stranger to hard work. That’s why Sibongumenzi (or Menzi as her friends know her) Mtshali is not afraid to set her aim high: to one day be a world renowned neurosurgeon.
For this Hippokrates resident to achieve this, it’s important to set aside time everyday to keep up with her studies as first year MB,ChB student, but she admits campus activities have a way of keeping her busy. Her top time management tip is to plan your day ahead and to write down every detail. “This helps to keep you in check with what you’re actually accomplishing with your time.”
But, she adds, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. “Allow yourself free time.”
Mtshali also considers herself quite the cook and says her specialities include uJege (a traditional Zulu steamed bread), beef curry and the South African speciality, milk tart.
When it comes to life, she gets philosophical. “I am a soul in a body, trying to make sense of the world,” she says.
“Although it doesn’t always make sense, I want to make the most of my time here.”
Quick questions:
- Best habit? “Cutting my nails every week.”
- Worst habit? “Letting my nail polish chip.”
- Is social media a blessing or a curse? “A curse. It makes people fixate on materialism and false happiness.”
- What do you do for exercise? “I dance in my room.”
