The Biochemist Dream

My name is Buntu Dyira and I am a 21 year old student at Rhodes University. I am from a small town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. I intend on pursuing a Honours and Master’s Degree in Biochemistry but I am currently obstructed by a $5000 student debt. This debt stems from my first undergraduate year, where funding was denied by NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) and after an appeal process, funding was granted for the rest of my undergraduate phase. Throughout this period I have maintained a B+ grade (80%), been listed annually in the Dean’s list and received Golden Key Honours Awards.

I come from a family of six with a disabled older brother and an older sister with cardiac arrythmia. Medical emergencies in my household were frequent and this is what fuelled my desire to stand up and play a role in the medical sphere. I want to further my studies so that I can play a role in the advancements of developing better diagnosis and treatment of common diseases. My foreseen profession is a rarity from my town and the lack of early detection methods often leads to preventable situations.

I dream of becoming a Biomedical Scientist and ask that you help me to get to this destination. Please help me, in turn help others.

Thank you for taking your time to read my story. Funds rasied will be directly deposited to settle the student debt at Rhodes University.