The transition from high school to university is rarely seamless, often marked by anxiety and intense academic pressure. For Kyle Cupido, a 21-year-old fourth-year Dentistry student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), this journey was defined by early obstacles and persistent grit.
Now, Cupido is paying it forward by using his platform on TikTok to demystify university life, sharing the highs and lows of pursuing a demanding health science degree to inspire the next generation of students.
Overcoming Early Educational Hurdles
Cupido’s journey began in Atlantis, where he faced significant struggles with literacy in Grade 1. Recognizing the need for specialized support, his parents moved him to a new school, a pivotal decision that turned his academic trajectory around.
The spark for a career in health sciences ignited in Grade 10 while attending Uniondale High School in the Eastern Cape. Inspired by a passionate Life Science teacher who taught without relying on textbooks, Cupido developed a deep love for the subject.
The Life-Changing Encounter with UWC
Returning to Atlantis to enroll at Saxonsea High School, Cupido met representatives from the UWC Student Enrolment Management Unit (SEMU). This interaction changed his life.
A staff member noticed Cupido’s academic badge—he was consistently in the top three of his class—and urged him to apply for the notoriously competitive Dentistry program.
“I told him I’d be interested in studying dentistry, and he gave me a card. On the card, he wrote: ‘The things we want, we have to work hard for.’ I kept that card throughout Matric… it pushed me to study harder and harder.” — Kyle Cupido
Advice for First-Years
Now in his fourth year, Cupido reflects on his first year with newfound wisdom. He admits he was too hard on himself, expecting high school academic results to instantly translate to university success.
“High school is nothing compared to the amount of effort you need to put in at university,” Cupido explains, noting that the workload and difficulty level increase dramatically.
His advice for incoming students is simple yet profound: Believe in yourself, trust the process, and keep pushing forward.
