What does it take to chase a lifelong curiosity about the human body and turn it into a calling? For Idelette, it meant diving deep into one of South Africa’s best pharmacy programs at NWU, soaking up friendships in res, and learning life lessons that went far beyond textbooks. From the surprise of TAX forms during her internship to discovering the power of simply slowing down for patients, Idelette’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and vision. In this candid Q&A, she shares what kept her going through the toughest moments, the study hacks that made all the difference, and the dream of blending faith with medicine in a podcast that could just become her life’s main event.

What first pulled you toward Pharmacy, and why NWU in particular? Was it a calling, a curiosity, or maybe even a moment that changed everything

The NWU offers one of the best pharmacy programs in the country, and it continues to celebrate the few short years of student life.

As for pharmacy, I’ve always known I wanted to pursue something in the health sciences, specifically related to the human body. I am truly amazed by the complexity and intricacy with which physiology and anatomy have been knitted together. Furthermore, I am in awe of the excellence of the human mind — our ability to recognise and adapt natural substances to aid the body’s functions, which has evolved into the development of medicine as we know it today.

In short, pharmacy is both a calling and a curiosity.

Minjonet clearly holds a special place in your heart. What made it more than just a res? Any traditions, friendships, or moments that still stick with you today?

Definitely the friendships and memories. It’s a home where people from different backgrounds, interests, and cultures are placed on the same corridor — and you’re naturally drawn into relationships as you pass the same faces every day. This opened doors to friendships I may not have pursued on my own. It taught me the value of participating and being willing to serve, and it brought the well-known motto, “The more you do, the more you can do,” to life.

You’re now interning at Clicks. How’s that real-world jump been? Anything that surprised you or made you go, “Wait… this wasn’t in the textbook!”?

TAX forms 😆 NWU Business School truly eased the transition from finishing pharmacy in 2023 to starting my internship in mid-2024. It gave me a refreshing break from the world of medicine and offered a whole new perspective on “work life.” I entered the professional environment not only with the mindset of being a good employee, but also with a growing understanding of what it means to be a good manager — even as a young and inexperienced intern. 

What’s one skill you didn’t know you had until you started working in a pharmacy?

The ability to slow down — not in the sense of being patient, but in recognising when someone simply needs a listening ear, and choosing to pause and give them my full attention. It’s not always enjoyable, especially when I’m aware of how much work is waiting, but being able to set that aside and focus on the need in front of me matters. Everyone deserves to be seen.

Pharmacy can be tough. What kept you going when the pressure hit? Share any study hacks, wellness tips, or support systems that helped you thrive.

Get a study buddy from the start. Don’t wait. Don’t think, “A study buddy won’t work for me, I need quiet,” or “I speak to myself out loud.” Do all that — but do it in the library, where both of you are committed to getting to your study space and staying there until you’re both satisfied with your progress.

Also, create your own mind maps using the lecturers’ presentations. It’s a proven method that helps your brain absorb and retain information more effectively, as it forces you to condense complex content into short sentences or single words - all visually connected on a page.

How did your time at NWU prepare you for the world of work?

Both HC and PC allowed me to practise my managerial and delegation skills, something essential in the workplace. It’s neither necessary nor wise to try and tackle everything on your own. If you want something done properly and in a way that aligns with your expectations, communicate it clearly (and, in most cases, repeatedly). Then, give each person the space to create and execute in their own way, within your shared vision. This fosters growth for both of you.

When you picture your future, what do you see? A specialisation? A side hustle? Changing the game in healthcare somehow?

Definitely, a side hustle turning into the main show! I want to create a podcast where faith meets medicine. Who knows, maybe it’ll be the perfect blend of miracles and medicine!

If your Pharmacy journey had a title, what would it be? (Bonus points if it sounds like a Netflix drama or a TikTok trend.)

After The Burn. 

Fill in the blank: “You haven’t really studied Pharmacy at NWU if you haven’t ______.”

Watched a Varsity Cup game on home ground.