Taking the Leap: How the Fees Must Fall Movement Changed My Career Path

Sometimes, life gives you a gentle nudge, and sometimes it gives you a full-blown kick in the pants. That’s exactly what happened to me when the Fees Must Fall movement intersected with my plans. I began my academic journey pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics at the University of Limpopo / Universiteit van Limpopo (MEDUNSA campus), now known as Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). I was excited to unravel the mysteries of the universe—maybe even discover a new black hole or something. But then came the Fees Must Fall movement, and, well, I quickly realized that sometimes the biggest black hole is your bank account.

The Fees Must Fall movement, which erupted in 2015, was more than just students complaining about fees. It was about affordable education and fairness—things that were in short supply. As the protests raged, my love for science didn’t fade, but my curiosity about the laws governing society grew. I found myself increasingly fascinated by questions of social justice. I mean, sure, studying the laws of physics is great, but studying the laws that determine whether or not you can afford to keep studying at all? Now that seemed more urgent.

The more I reflected, the clearer it became: I needed to make a change. Not a gentle tweak, mind you, but a full-on leap. Physics was fascinating, but I wanted to understand the rules that could help people like me. So, I traded in Newton’s Laws for the legal system—a completely different kind of gravity. And let me tell you, while the laws of physics may have kept me grounded, the law books certainly didn’t, especially when lugging them around campus.

The transition wasn’t exactly seamless. Going from calculating the mysteries of the cosmos to analyzing case law was like going from "E=mc2" to "It depends." I had to get used to words like "jurisprudence" instead of "momentum," and of course, those endless late nights reading case law. (Turns out, late nights are a constant, whether you’re studying physics or law.) But my passion for social justice kept me going. I wanted to be someone who could help navigate and even change the system that had impacted so many of us.

The Fees Must Fall movement didn’t just change my career; it changed my entire perspective. It taught me resilience, the power of speaking out, and—most importantly—that there’s a reason lawyers can afford better coffee than broke physics students. Today, as I work toward my admission as an attorney, I often think about how different my life might have been if not for that movement. Sure, I could have been studying stars, but now, I get to fight for people reaching for them.

Now, I'm enrolled in PVT (Practical Legal Training) law school, hunting for articles in an epoch of high unemployment. It’s been more than 100 days since I finished my studies, and I’m still unemployed. The market is tough, but if the Fees Must Fall movement taught me anything, it’s that persistence can open doors—no matter how tightly they seem to be locked. I may not have a lab coat anymore, but I’ve got a suit (that I’m still paying off) and a determination to bring justice where it’s needed.

Hope and Determination: Every day in law school reminds me of why I made this leap. My goals are clearer than ever: to become a legal practitioner for those who need it most and to use my legal knowledge to make a difference. Each challenge, whether it’s mastering complex case law or navigating the job market, brings me one step closer to achieving my dreams. It’s not just about obtaining a degree; it’s about equipping myself to champion a voice for justice.

With each late night of studying and each networking opportunity, I feel more motivated to fight for those who feel unheard. I’m excited about what the future holds, and while the path may be steep, I know every step is worth it. After all, taking that leap wasn’t just a change of course; it was the start of my journey toward freedom in the legal profession.