Jaenique Swartz
In a remarkable tale of ambition and courage, Namibian scholar and aspiring author Camilla Samuels has embarked on a transformative journey that has taken her from the familiar streets of her homeland to the vibrant landscapes of India.
At just 21 years old, Samuels finds herself immersed in a world of new experiences and boundless opportunities as she pursues her bachelor’s degree in biotechnology in the heart of that captivating country.
For her, the decision to venture beyond the borders of Namibia was a long-cherished dream, one that she had shared with her mother years ago. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to explore the wonders of the globe, she set her sights on India, drawn by its rich cultural tapestry and renowned academic institutions.
“There was no single item that drove me to travel abroad. I have always had a desire for more, the concept of a ‘big wide world’ has always held me in its grasp,” she noted. Her adventure does not end in the laboratory of her invigorating lessons. Inspired by her personal experiences, she delivers a truly raw and captivating short story ‘Becoming a butterfly and flying through the rain’ that has been in the works since 2020, when the young author would scribble her experiences on pieces of paper which later manifested into what has enthralled so many readers. She writes mostly to soothe, reflect and ground herself. She has a knack for words, saying “My writing is my self-help tool. I share the hope that it will be the same for someone else who has yet to discover their voice”.
“I composed it [‘Becoming a butterfly and flying through the rain’] last year while I was in a flat for over a month and two weeks, giving my body enough time to disgorge all the change and reopen some old scars. When I wrote it, it was just for myself; I didn’t intend to share it,” Samuels added.
Her journey is not merely academic; it is also a deeply personal voyage of self-discovery and growth. In leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, she has embraced the unknown with courage and determination, seizing every opportunity to expand her horizons and challenge herself in new ways.
She labelled it as creative writing, wanting to be as messy and creative as she could since no one would ever see it. Samuels is far from done, and observes that there is more where that came from. “I felt compelled to share; like someone else needed to read it as much, too”.
Reflecting on the hardships she had faced abroad, Samuels said: “I faced a lot of challenges as an international student from an African country. It was challenging to find my feet at first, but I’ve learned to change and adapt to how people do things on this side of the world”.
She remains steadfast in her pursuit of academic excellence. With a keen interest in biotechnology, she is eager to delve into the intricacies of this cutting-edge field, immersing herself in the latest research and methodologies which will shape the future of science and innovation. “Biology has always sparked so much curiosity, excitement and belief in possibility in me. Completing a biotechnology programme is gratifying in and of itself, as the field screams innovation.”
Always standing behind her younger brother, she sings a common motivational tune to him and those around her, telling them not to be dissuaded by anybody or anything. She enjoys telling her peers that they already have everything they need. “The only cheerleader you need is yourself. You need to be the loudest cheerleader; your mind is where the magic is. No one else needs to believe in your vision; only you do.” - jaeniqueswartz@icloud.com