Education Assistant at the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh | MSc in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis (University of Edinburgh) | BSc in Genetics (University of Cape Town)
From the fairy garden of Redhill Nursery School to a global career in public health, Kili’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the magic of finding one’s true calling.
Her STORY
Her Foundation at Redhill School
Matriculating in 2017, Redhill left an indelible mark on Kili. Heritage Day celebrations, particularly the moving performances by support staff, stand out as vivid memories. Another cherished space was the nursery school’s fairy garden—a peaceful haven where lifelong friendships blossomed. These experiences shaped a deep appreciation for community and diversity, values that continue to guide Kili’s path today.
The Path Less Taken
Dreaming of becoming a doctor, Kili faced disappointment when medical school in South Africa didn’t pan out. Instead, she embarked on a Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Human Anatomy & Physiology at the University of Cape Town—a decision that would prove transformative. Completing the degree in 2020 with excellent grades, she continued with an Honours in Human & Forensic Genetics, an achievement made possible by challenging an initial rejection and securing both a place and a scholarship. The journey led to a passion for statistical genetics, ultimately culminating in a Master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh in 2023.
A Surprising Turn
Discovering that a childhood dream of becoming a doctor wasn’t the ultimate goal. Instead, the field of public health offered a greater opportunity to make a difference. This pivot required leaving family, friends, and the comfort of South Africa to explore an incredibly specialised discipline. Now based in Edinburgh, Kili focuses on education and awareness around global healthcare issues, with the hope of one day bringing these solutions to African communities in need.
Kili’s Vision for the Future
With a goal to work for organisations like the World Health Organisation or the United Nations, Kili envisions creating realistic and empowering solutions for healthcare issues in Africa. Preparing for a PhD in African public health, she is determined to bridge the gap between statistical genetics and practical, community-focused healthcare initiatives.
Redefining Success
“I always thought success was about money. My parents are incredibly wealthy in experiences but also had to be privileged enough to be able to afford them. This is how I understood success. Being an adult now, I understand that success is about having a choice. The choice in choosing those experiences is because you have the money, you have the time, you actually want to live that experience, and simply because you are able to. The choice in choosing who to surround yourself with to make sure your environment is full of positive and inspiring people makes you successful. Being able to determine how and why you can live your life is how I define success. It is not something I have fully achieved yet, but I am working on being the most successful I can be.”
Her Inspiring Message
“Reject the Rejection.” Kili’s story of appealing a university decision is a powerful reminder to advocate for oneself. That single decision not only opened doors to an Honours degree but also led to a groundbreaking career in statistical genetics and international recognition for her work.
From Redhill to Edinburgh and beyond, Kili’s story exemplifies the courage to embrace change, the power of persistence, and the lifelong impact of a Redhill education.
These stories remind us that Redhill alumni continue to make an impact across the world, in diverse and meaningful ways. If you have an inspiring story to share, we would love to hear from you! [email protected]
