In 2018 my sister developed a skin condition, which remains without a cure or any known cause, and that was a key factor in what drove me to want to study medicine. My parents and family have always encouraged me and built me up to believe that I was good enough to achieve anything I wanted. It’s been a self-directed goal for as long as I can remember, it’s always been the one thing that I’ve wanted to do.
I kept hearing how difficult it is for candidates who don’t have a family member or connections to the medical profession. I think this was one of the factors that encouraged me to strive even harder to get into Medical School, to show that while I might not come from a conventional medical background, I can still achieve my dreams and goals.
It’s very important to me that everyone has access to equal experiences and chances to achieve their goals in life. The sector still faces a challenge to bridge the gap and break down some of the societal barriers that exist.
With City Year UK charity, we visited schools to speak to students, some who were from disadvantaged backgrounds, to help them stay on track. It was an invaluable experience and I really treasured that time in my life.
I wanted to help students who had come from similar backgrounds to myself and I hoped that I might be able to relate to them and assist them in their studies and behaviour. It was a very good experience for me. Mentoring with ASDAN helps to develop my own skills as an individual and a student too
My advice to others would be to never give up. Don’t listen to other people’s opinions on whether or not you can achieve your goals, believe in yourself and try your hardest.