Becoming a Pharmacist Campaign

My name is Asanda Gama, I am a 3rd year Pharmacy student at the University of the Witwatersrand. 

Education has always been a big part of my life. Coming from a family that is not extensively educated I have always wanted to be the one that reaches great heights. Seeing family members struggle to make ends meet continues to be one of my biggest motivators. My mother is carrying a heavy financial burden as the only working parent. All living and household expenses fall into her hands. She is struggling to keep both my younger sister and I in school. This financial battle threatens my ability to continue onto and complete my third year of study. Of the R94 000 that I owe the institution, R47 000 is required for the 2024 academic year.  

My will to excel remains unwavering in the face of financial struggle. I have continuously worked hard at school and have produced good results. In high school I maintained an average which was above 80% and matriculated with full colours. At the start of 2023 I was invited to Residence Academic Awards for my 2022 results and received a certificate for academic excellence. I have actively engaged in community service where I was involved in assisting at a baby home in Durban. At the end of last year my friends and I collectively purchased food items, toys and essentials and donated them to an orphanage called ‘The Lighthouse Baby Shelter and Children’s Home.’ This has allowed my awareness of the varying lifestyles in our nation to broaden which has enabled me to develop a holistic skill set. 

My decision to study pharmacy was motivated by my desire to directly improve the health and well-being of patients. I was additionally drawn to the diversity within the field which includes roles in: retail, hospital, industrial and research. This allows for flexibility that tailors to an individual’s passion and abilities. I  believe my chosen career path of pharmacy is one that holds great value. 

Your assistance will not only serve as a financial opportunity but will also serve as a bridge that will carry me to my goal of making a significant contribution to society. With your help and my dedication, I believe that I will succeed academically and have a positive impact in the pharmaceutical industry in due time.