Spotlight on: Zeffie

I was interested and very much delighted to interview one of our fellow students Christine Zerafa, aka Zeffie, BSc Chemistry and Biology 3rd year. A girl full of energy, enthusiasm and intelligence, matched only by her ability to play the piano. I immediately sated my curiosity and asked about her paradox- science and art, what gives?

“I study these subjects because of the choice I made in form 3, and they sort of grew with me. On the other hand, I have been playing music since the age of 7 and I have to say, it has been my passion ever since. Still, you might ask why I didn’t drop sciences to pursue a musical career. Science is stable, especially in Malta where not enough importance is given to music and art. Also my parents always pushed me in that direction. There are times, especially now, that I wish to simply drop everything and study music. As much as I would love to, it wouldn’t be intelligent. Firstly, now that I’m so close to the finish line, might as well get it over and done with and secondly, I want to keep my options open, since I really do enjoy science, not only music. Then again I can’t imagine myself working an 8-hour non-stop shift in a lab, so yes, there is a huge conflict going on inside between the two.”

We continued discussing her options, Christine describing that it’s not easy making a choice since this is, after all, her future. I also popped the question about an important milestone in her life - a scholarship she had won.

“This competition is one of the most prestigious competitions on the island, even though I don't like such stuff, since Malta is small and there might be people pulling strings. I actually entered as a gamble, especially since this was during the university exams. I mean the stress was sky high and I didn’t want to pressure myself into winning. Still when I was there I gave my 100% - I always do in matters regarding music. Anyway, I managed to qualify to the second round, which for me was already a satisfactory result. Even so, when they where announcing the winners starting from the 3rd place, I was excited (which was an understatement) and then moving onto the 2nd place. As I was already resigned about doing well, my name was announced! I was speechless! So I won the scholarship which involved two weeks of intensive piano tuition with the crème de la crème of music at the Lake District in the U.K. This experience was very refreshing and it finally made me realise that there is actually a possibility for me to have a music career off this island.”

Thus this experience has led her to consider a career in music even more, especially since one of her dreams is to open a school of music, and passing her knowledge to younger generations, so as they experience the joy music brings. I also asked her how she manages to do all of this; since everyone knows our course is not a walk in the park.

“Well the trick is in time management. I practice for 4 hours a day approximately, plus I also work, and do my schoolwork on time. I am not saying it is easy but one cannot simply focus his entire life on sciences. Having extracurricular activities is as important because it helps in the formation of a person. I do not believe that by choosing these subjects one has to completely shut everything else out. Still I do realise that this doesn’t apply for when I choose a career. I think that it has to be either or, since I can’t imagine myself coming home after 12 hours at work, having a family and finding time to practice the piano”

And with that she smiled, as both of us stood up to take our leave, still chatting, as we made our way to the canteen, where we finely said our goodbyes. It was a pleasure to interview such a person, and I hope that some of you out there realise that science doesn’t completely form a person.

Anyways, here at In Situ, we wish you the best of luck and success for your future, Zeffie.