For Students, By Students: The 2024/25 Pulse Team
Inside the 2024/25 Pulse Executive Committee β Reflections on roles, expectations and lessons learnt.
Behind every resilient medical student is a community that reminds them they are not alone. Pulse is that community. π«
Formed by medical students across all years, Pulse exists to be a support system that bridges divides, listens to student concerns, and strengthens unity across the MBChB programme. Whether through academic initiatives, cultural events, advocacy for transformation, or simply moments of laughter and community events β Pulse is a heartbeat of student leadership, inclusivity, and collaboration.
In this newsletter + blog, we spotlight each of the dynamic Pulse 2024/2025 committee members β what they expected, what they learned, and how they have grown. Enjoy this simple but informing read! ππ±
Ofentse β Chairperson πͺ
π Portfolio breakdown: I lead the committee and keep everyone focused on their goals, run meetings, make sure everyone gets a chance to speak, make final decisions if thereβs a disagreement and, in a nutshell, make sure people are doing their jobs.
π‘Expectations: When running, I wanted to grow in my leadership skills and be a better leader, to be challenged but most importantly make a difference.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: Iβve learned that working together can make or break a team. As someone who struggles with communication, Iβve learned to communicate better and not bottle things up.
Abongile β Vice-Chairperson β‘οΈ
π Portfolio breakdown: I support the chairperson in executing his duties, and I take care of the overall well-being of the team.
π‘Expectations: When I was running for Pulse, I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to grow in my leadership and interpersonal skills and know what real team work looks like.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: I have learned how to trust people. When it comes to group work and having to depend on others I really struggle with trust, but having a team that is so dedicated to their specific portfolios made it much easier to work in a team.
Iβve learnt how to communicate and mediate better because much of my portfolio is communication between EC members and the Chairperson.
Lex β Treasurer π°
π‘Expectations: The expectation I had was that this will be a good opportunity for me to get involved at the university and to gain skills in leadership and teamwork. I saw it as a great opportunity to serve others and improve myself in the process.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: I learned valuable communication skills and came to understand how essential clear communication is β without it, success is difficult to achieve. I also learned the importance of working in a structured manner and planning effectively to meet deadlines. As the treasurer, I was responsible for setting up the budget and managing finances, which the entire committee relied on to run their events smoothly.
Serving on a university committee like Pulse teaches you to always be professional as we do not only work with our peers but also faculty members.
MJ β Academics and Transformation π
π Portfolio breakdown: The academic officer works closley with the academic officer of Helath House to manage the clss reprasentatives, provide academic support and mediate any conflict between class reprasentatives and any other parties. Furthermore, seek to obtain feedback from medical students regarding academic related issues. Finally, work in partnership with Health House in the smooth elections of class reps within the degree.
The Transformation and Inclusion Representative ensures that Pulse and its operations are inclusive of all students, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or physical ability. They actively advocate for equality and student cohesion within Pulse and across the faculty and university. Additionally, they represent Pulse at all transformation-related meetings and workstreams, promote unity through various events and discussions, and oversee initiatives such as βConversationsβ or similar programmes aimed at addressing medical student needs.
π‘Expectations: Before joining Pulse, I expected the role to involve mostly administrative work with limited opportunities for collaboration. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how much interaction we had with students and how actively we could support them in their academic journeys. It was especially rewarding to assist students who were struggling and to know that I played a part in improving their university experience.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: Being part of this committee has taught me a great deal about effective communication and time management. I also gained valuable insights into conflict resolution β both in mediating issues between students and in managing my own interpersonal dynamics.
Mmapula β External Culture β€οΈβπ©Ή
π Portfolio breakdown: External Culture is a portfolio based on student wellness and extracurricular activities held to maintain a good "work-life" balance for students
π‘Expectations: My expectations were to learn what student leadership (although it's on a small platform) entails and to exit with skills that I could use in my future endeavors
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: The major thing I have learnt is how important integrity and accountability is, time management, communication skills and how to work with colleagues despite differences we may have.
Phumeza β Internal Culture ποΈ
π Portfolio breakdown: Iβm responsible for planning events that promote culture awareness within the degree through language initiatives
π‘Expectations: I expected to be quite involved with the students since thatβs what my portfolio comprises of. I knew that it would be a challenge since people are so busy and immersed in their studies but it was a challenge I was up for.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: As cliche as it may sound, team work really makes the dream work.
Shanae β First Year Guardian π€Ί
π Portfolio breakdown: As the First Year Guardian, my role is to be a familiar face for the first years to come speak to regarding any issues. In addition, my role is to help with a smooth transition for the first years from Hatfield Campus to Prinshof Campus from the second semester. First years, keep an eye out for exciting things ahead.
My core memory from Pulse is my First Year Hunger Games. This is also the first time I interacted with the body. When I had the opportunity to apply, I did so to see if I could help organise similar events and play a role in other students' fond memories.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: I have learned a lot about the systems of the university and how much time and effort go into hosting events. It is NO joke. I have a lot of respect for everyone who plans socials. It made me appreciate it more.
Shania β Community Engagement ποΈ
π Portfolio breakdown: As the Community Engagement Officer for Pulse, I focus on organising student and community outreach events, collaborating with societies and other sub-houses, and supporting Health House initiatives. Some of the main projects Iβm involved in include RAG Day of Hope, Mandela Week, the Ever Grace school shoe collection drive, visits to childrenβs homes, and the One Health Project β a joint effort with vet students. The goal of this portfolio is to strengthen community involvement, encourage social responsibility, and create opportunities for students to make a real difference while building important skills like teamwork, planning, and leadership.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: At first, I was worried that I might struggle to balance my responsibilities with my academics. But over time, I learned that itβs not only manageable it actually helped me to stay on track and procrastinate less.
Being the Community Engagement Officer for pulse has been a really rewarding experience. I get to grow, learn, and work with people who are passionate about creating positive change for those who are less fortunate. I developed skills in project planning, collaboration, and engaging with the community plus I got better at thinking on my feet and adapting when things don't go as planned. This role continues to shape me into a more confident, capable, and well-rounded person, and Iβm genuinely grateful to be part of this committee and for all the meaningful connections I have built along the way.
Sive β Socials and Merchandise π‘π
π Portfolio breakdown: The Socials and Merchandise portfolio focuses on designing and providing Pulse uniforms and a range of merchandise specifically for medical students. This portfolio also plays a key role in organizing social events that provide students with a much-needed break from the demands of academic life. These events are designed to promote relaxation, encourage meaningful connections among students, and foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere outside the classroom.
π‘ Expectations: When I joined the Pulse team, I expected weβd help make student life better both academically and socially by creating a more supportive and connected environment. I thought the journey would be easier with a team by my side, but I soon realized that personal challenges still come up, even in a group.
Thekgang β Sports Officer β½οΈ
π Portfolio breakdown: According to the Pulse Constitution, the Sport Officer is responsible for organizing sports activities that foster balance and cohesion between medical students and other members of the HSSB. This role also involves close collaboration with both the Health House Portfolio Holder and the Student Sport Committee to ensure alignment and broader participation.
The core purpose of the Sport Officer Portfolio is to promote studentsβ mental well-being through recreational and physical activities. By planning engaging events and encouraging high levels of participation, the Sport Officer helps create a healthier, more connected student environment.
π‘Expectations: Before joining Pulse, I had high expectations. I wanted to bring change and make our medical committee more fun and exciting β not just focused on books. As medical students, we often get so caught up in academics that we forget there's a life to live outside of studying. I had many plans for events and activities, although I wasnβt able to execute all of them.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: Being part of Pulse has helped me develop valuable teamwork and leadership skills. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that effective leadership requires both a clear plan and the passion to see it through. Challenges like limited funding can make it hard to bring your vision to life β but Iβve learned not to give up. Thereβs always a way to make things work if you stay committed.
Yei-Fei β Secretary π
π Portfolio breakdown: As the Secretary of Pulse, my main responsibilities include taking detailed minutes during meetings, handling administrative tasks, and ensuring that effective communication is maintained within the team. My role is central to making sure operations run smoothly behind the scenes and that important information is documented and accessible!
π‘Expectations: Before joining Pulse, I expected it to be extremely time-consuming, especially because of how often the team seemed to be hosting events and initiatives. I worried it might become overwhelming alongside my academics. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The team is incredibly supportive, and we share responsibilities in a way that really lightens the load. We hold each other accountable, but we also lift each other up. Iβve had the opportunity to work with driven, insightful, and kind people who genuinely care about our community, and that has made the experience not just manageable β but deeply rewarding.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: Being part of Pulse has taught me so much about what goes into running an event or leading a project β things I never noticed before. There are so many moving parts and layers of preparation, from logistics and planning to follow-ups. It takes a group of passionate, dedicated people who are willing to give up their time to create something meaningful for others. Iβve also grown in confidence, learned how to communicate more effectively in a team setting, and discovered how much can be achieved when everyone brings their strengths to the table.
Ibby β Marketing Officer π
π Portfolio breakdown: The purpose of the marketing portfolio is to promote Pulse as a brand to the wider student population. The marketing officer is also responsible for promoting the committeeβs events, initiatives and campaigns as well as any other activities that medical students can participate in and benefit from. The marketing officer is also responsible for managing all social media pages, design posters and promotional videos as well as create engaging content. The marketing officer also ensures that there is effective communication between the executive team and the student body.
π‘Expectations: My expectations coming into this role was to make a positive impact on the medical student body at large and serve my peers as best as possible. I also expected to step out of my comfort zone and develop soft skills that arenβt often taught in classrooms such as communication and teamwork.
γ°οΈ Lesson Learnt: I have learnt a lot about the importance of effective communication and how most times two heads are better than one. Being part of Pulse has also taught me how to embrace challenges and think outside of the box. Honestly, It has really been quite an amazing experience working with the committee.
As you have read, Pulse is not just a committee β it is a commitment. A commitment to leadership that listens, serves, and grows. A reminder that there are people who care deeply about making your medical journey less lonely, more inclusive, and a little more joyful.
Insightful, looking forward to something like this this regarding health house. xx