As part of its 60th-anniversary celebrations, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is introducing 60 future healthcare professionals who are currently in their first year. Meet Gaby Rautenbach.
Gaby Rautenbach’s dream job is to be a teacher and an artist who creates installations. But for now, she is a first-year B Occupational Therapy (OT) student at Stellenbosch University.
“I think an OT degree will equip me to assist and serve others, even if I don’t actually end up in an OT practice,” she says.
In ten years’ time, she sees herself working as a missionary in Africa, while either teaching foundation phase students or practising as an OT.
She says the skill she’s most eager to learn is to be able to accept others’ point of view and listening to others’ problems without letting her own emotions get in the way.
Rautenbach is originally from Durban and adjusting to campus life hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s been quite stressful because I was forced to manage my time more efficiently and the lack of structure also forced me to practise more independence. The best part has definitely been the wonderful new friends I’ve made.”
The most valuable lesson she’s learned in her life, thus far, is that nothing is ever a loss. “It’s always a lesson learned, no matter how big the mistake or failure was. So keep moving forward.”
In a nutshell:
- Favourite food? Homemade pizza
- Mantra you live by? “Be beautiful in your heart, because that is the most attractive kind of beautiful.”
- Top time-management tip? “Plan your work; and work your plan.”
- Best habit? “Smiling at everyone when I greet or see them.”
- And worst? “Over-thinking and over-exaggerating things.”
