By The Division of Communication and Advancement
At 30 years old, Pearl Qwane’s journey is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and a deep-rooted passion for making a difference in healthcare. Born and raised in Tsomo, a small town, Pearl’s upbringing in a close-knit rural community shaped her values and ignited her desire to uplift others. Growing up as the only girl in a family of four older brothers, she felt a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. Her parents instilled in her the belief that education was the key to success, a principle that has been a guiding force throughout her life.
Despite the challenges she faced, including moments when her academic and personal life seemed off course, Pearl’s commitment to education never wavered. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, but her passion for pharmacy led her to pursue a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree at Rhodes University. This was not an easy decision, particularly given the financial strain and uncertainty about how she would fund her studies. Yet, Pearl’s determination to pursue a career that would allow her to directly impact people’s health and well-being kept her moving forward.
For Pearl, pharmacy was more than just a career choice; it represented an opportunity to merge scientific expertise with patient care. She admired how pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medication, managing chronic diseases, and providing essential health advice. This blend of scientific knowledge and human interaction deeply appealed to her, as it aligned with her personal values of helping others and giving back to her community. Pearl knew that pursuing a career in pharmacy would not only provide stability in an unpredictable job market but also allow her to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, particularly in underserved communities.
Choosing Rhodes University to pursue her pharmacy degree was another pivotal moment in Pearl’s journey. After researching various institutions, she was drawn to Rhodes University’s esteemed reputation for producing graduates who have gone on to lead in the pharmaceutical profession and health policy development. What truly set Rhodes University apart was its openness to students like Pearl, who had already completed one degree but were eager to pursue another. While other universities rejected her applications due to her prior qualifications, Rhodes University welcomed her, a gesture that reinforced her belief in the institution’s commitment to supporting students passionate about their fields of study.
However, Pearl’s academic journey has not been without challenges. For the first three years of her BPharm degree, she struggled financially, with no consistent funding to cover her tuition, rent, and basic living expenses. The weight of this financial uncertainty was immense, leaving her sleepless at times with worry about how she would continue her studies. As the only hope for her family, she felt the pressure to succeed, but the mounting debt threatened to derail her dreams of becoming a pharmacist.
It was at this crucial point in her final year that Pearl received the Hillensberg Trust Bursary. The bursary served as a lifeline, covering her tuition, rent, and books, and allowing her to focus fully on her studies. With the financial burden lifted, she could finally dedicate herself to excelling academically without the constant fear of being unable to complete her degree. The bursary not only provided her with peace of mind but also restored her confidence, reminding her that there were people who believed in her potential and were willing to invest in her future.
Looking back, Pearl reflects on how the bursary not only saved her academic career but also reignited her hope and determination. It provided her with the security to concentrate on her final year and helped her develop a renewed sense of purpose. Now, as she approaches the completion of her BPharm degree, she is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to continue her education and fulfil a dream that once seemed out of reach.
Beyond her immediate academic achievements, the Hillensberg Trust Bursary has also laid the foundation for Pearl’s long-term career aspirations. She is particularly interested in pursuing further studies in pharmaceutical research, focusing on drug delivery systems and clinical pharmacy. Her research mini-thesis, which explores stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems, has sparked a desire to contribute to advancements in healthcare through innovation and research. The bursary has not only enabled her to complete her degree but has also opened doors for her to explore postgraduate opportunities and career specialisations that will allow her to make a lasting impact in the field.
Pearl’s journey is a powerful reminder of the role that education and support can play in transforming lives. The financial assistance she received has inspired her to give back to others, whether through mentorship or community initiatives, and to help future students access the same opportunities that were made available to her. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
As Pearl prepares to graduate and enter the professional world, her focus remains clear: to use her skills and knowledge to improve healthcare access and outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas. She is eager to take on the challenges ahead, knowing that the lessons she learned growing up in Tsomo and the support she received through the Hillensberg Trust Bursary have equipped her with the tools she needs to succeed.
You can help create more success stories like Pearl’s. By supporting students through bursaries, scholarships, and donations, you are making a direct impact on the future leaders of our country. Your contribution can give another student the chance to overcome financial obstacles and reach their full potential. Invest in the future today—consider donating to Rhodes University’s student support initiatives and be part of the journey toward positive change.
https://www.givengain.com/campaign/unlocking-futures-rus-student-debt-fundraising-campaign