Letter to a future biotechnologist. From Pelly Malebe.
Pelly Malebe received her masters degree and BSc honours degree in biotechnology as well as a BSc degree in human genetics from the University of Pretoria. She is a member of the inaugural class of Next Einstein Forum Fellows, representing South Africa. A new mom, she is currently a sales specialist for a scientific solutions distribution company while finishing up her research and PhD thesis. Learn more about her career journey here and here. Follow Pelly on Twitter @PellyMalebe.
Dear four year old Pelly,
How I love you! Your hunger for knowledge, your need to learn and those burning questions that kept you up at night, that is what makes you Pelly. This will serve you well as a future biotechnologist.
I still remember the first time you became conscious of your thoughts. When you realised that your mind was working at all times even when no one can hear you. Your mind is a powerful tool. Your imagination is wild and creative, continue to play and dream. You are blessed to have Daddy as he is a great nurturer of your mind, he answers all your questions and encourages you to ask more.
Not all adults will have the patience to discuss topics with you. Do not let that stop you from being curious. Continue to ask until you understand. You have the biggest eyes in any room, hungry for information. Twenty seven years from now you will have a son and he will have the same big eyes, you will take on Daddy’s role and continue to be patient and nurturing with him. What a delight!
You will leave Maseven Village and move to Johannesburg. This means you leave everything that you have known to start a new life. A village has its downfalls but the positives that people do not mention are: the fresh air, the organic food, the added safety and security of the community, the ability to take walks to granny’s house and play with all your cousins. In the city you will see people that look nothing like you, people that look down on you because of the pigment of your skin. In a way, the city will change you and mute you because firstly, you do not speak this English language that everyone is speaking and secondly, you are a foreigner in your own country of birth. Do not let the light that shines within you dim. Continue to keep the bright beaming eyes. You will learn the language soon and you will find your voice again even sooner. I love that you continued to dream and imagine, I still keep your dreams alive today and we have even made some of them a reality. High-five to us. You are still the nagging voice or excited grin in my head and I look to you for guidance.
Dear sixteen year old Pelly,
You put deadlines and timelines on most of your dreams, by so doing you set your goals. I still have that checklist and I am ticking it as I go through life. This list adapts as life adapts. I thank you for having a clear vision of what it is you wanted us to achieve. Trust your instincts.
By the way, that 17 year old boy that you told all your sisters and friends about, really does end up being your husband (15 years later) so do not rush and enjoy this journey called life. You do not get married at 27 as you had originally planned. Instead you continue with your studies, obtain three degrees and you travel the world. The fact that you put marriage and children on hold will cause many whispers amongst your aunts and your mother’s friends. Whether you do good or bad, people will always talk. The sooner you learn not to care what people think the sooner you will start living a blissful life.
Remember to stick to decisions that make you happy, remain principled, and remember your morals. Remain humble at all times, give thanks because a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. Be grateful that you had the good foundation that not everyone gets and you have opportunities to further your education and explore your divine purpose. Strive towards finding what it is that you were brought into this world for, what makes you happy, honour your gifts and remember to be charitable. Continue to live your best life!
With love,
The future you.
Representation Matters is a collaborative project between The Exploratory, African Women in Science and Engineering, Levers in Heels, and is supported in part by a Diversity in Science grant from The Biochemical Society.
