POLOKWANE – Tubake Theona Sebei is working towards a PhD in cancer research.
The 25-year-old is a Gr 5 and 6 natural sciences teacher at PEPPS Preparatory and College and teaches Creating Tomorrow which is a research subject under natural sciences.
Sebei previously served as a tutor for a private tutoring company. It was also through her journey as a lab assistant while doing her honours through to her master’s degree, it provided her with invaluable hands-on experience in scientific research and laboratory procedures.
“I had the opportunity to share my passion for education during a six-week teaching stint here at PEPPS, further enriching my teaching repertoire and sharpening my communication skills,” she said.
Sebei indicated that it is incredibly rewarding for her to be able to inspire curiosity, facilitate learning, and witness the growth of learners. Growing up in a family of teachers, she was surrounded by a culture of learning and teaching from an early age.
“Witnessing the dedication and passion my family members brought to their profession inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Education has always been a fundamental part of my life, and it feels natural to continue the ‘legacy’,” she said.
From a young age, she has had a desire to help those battling cancer, which is deeply rooted in her own personal experience. She lost her aunt, Kukie Elizabeth Serine, to metastatic colon cancer which was a reminder of the devastating impact of the disease.
“While I initially considered a career as a doctor to directly aid individuals facing cancer, I soon realised that my passion extended beyond patient care to the realm of research and discovery. I am driven by the hope of one day contributing to the collective effort to combat cancer on a broader scale. My journey towards a PhD in cancer research is not only a tribute to my aunt’s memory but also a testament to my firm commitment to joining the fight against this relentless disease,” she added.
She aspires to complete significant milestones in her academic journey and make meaningful contributions to the understanding and treatment of cancer in the near future and additionally, “continue inspiring and educating others through my teaching endeavours, fostering a passion for learning and scientific enquiry among learners”.
“Ultimately, I aim to be in a position where I can effectively merge my roles as a researcher and teacher, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer while shaping the next generation of scientific leaders. Moreover, I want to open an orphanage or a non-governmental organisation as it was also one of the things my late aunt never got to do but had instilled in me,” she said.
