Motivation letter

To those reading my blog, now you know... Provisional selection takes place in September. Please please please think of me!


The Selection Officer

Faculty of Health Sciences
P O Box 667
Pretoria
0001



I am a 26 year old married female and mother to a toddler boy. I have been dreaming of becoming a Medical Doctor all my life, unfortunately my path has led me to other ventures along the way, none of which I regret. I have tried my hand at numerous endeavours, from Architecture and Graphic Design to currently studying BSc.QS, as that is the work environment I am currently in and I want to keep myself busy with constant knowledge gain and to promote myself wherever I can. All of these gave me great exposure to life and different experiences that I will always carry with me, as that made me a better person. Although, sadly, none of these gave me the fulfilment I have always longed for. 9 years and a lot of life experience later, the desire to become a Medical Doctor has never died. The desire is still strong in my heart and constantly fuelling my aspirations to ultimately achieve my goal in making this dream a reality.

When growing up as a child, I was surrounded by Medical Doctors in my family and I know what the time and dedication entails to grow in this profession. I have seen the hard work, the long hours, the dedication and the passion one should have, but I have seen the rewards and that outweighs the sacrifices.

I am a well rounded person with many hobbies and interests (ranging from photography to graphic and digital design, a passion for people, listening and assisting with advice, music and reading to just name a few) I feel balanced and mentally and emotionally fit to embark on this journey at this specific time in my life.

I have had successes in my life, I have completed studies, I have excelled in the work place and I have tried to familiarise myself with as much knowledge as possible in my situation to ensure my best output. I have become a wife and a mother, two of the greatest achievements any woman can be proud of.

I have also had failures, I am human and we all fall at some point, but from that I learnt to pick myself up and rise again. I have risen above that which made me fall and I am rising again. I am planning to add this opportunity to my list of successes, not failures. I have let myself down in the past, but letting my family and especially my son down, is not an option. I want to be an example for him to look up to one day. To be able to say that his mother dreamt big and that I did everything I could to achieve that dream.

Since becoming a mother I have realised that not only do I want to be a Medical Doctor, I also want to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, as that is where my heart and passion lies. From personal experience, having been pregnant myself and going through the labour process, I know that I will have the compassion and understanding towards other woman in the same situation.

I will strive to make the experience as memorable for each patient, but always and foremost, respecting their wishes. Starting as a Family Doctor and working my way towards my ultimate goal of an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

To me, medicine entails more than just healing, but an understanding towards humanity and compassion towards fellow mankind, to be kind, to listen and to apply my knowledge to the best of my ability in helping others. As quoted from the oath of Hippocrates: "I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug."

I know being a wife and mother will make this a very hard road to embark on, but I have the desire and dedication to make this a success, my dream may be far, but it will never be out of reach. I also have a very good personal support system in my husband and family to make the road ahead as successful as possible. We realise the road will be long and hard, but we are prepared for the ride!

I always strive to excel at what I do and gain as much knowledge as possible, I have learnt the ability to create a balance between family life and studies and I see both as equal responsibilities. I do think that makes me an excellent candidate to consider for selection towards the MBChB degree, starting January 2011. I have experience, I have zest for life and I am dedicated towards my goals. I am mature and I know the time for me to start this journey has come. I know with great passion in my heart that I have it in me to make this a success.

If I am selected for placement in 2011, I promise to give 100% of myself towards becoming a great doctor that can serve this country, as I am and will always be a South African.



Yours Truly

Monzelle de Villiers