Going to university, for me, has been a transformative opportunity. As a care-experienced individual, it signifies a path towards personal growth, independence, and the chance to break the cycle of adversity that has been present throughout most of my life. Pursuing a degree in Biomedical Science has a special significance, as it not only fulfills my interest in learning more about Biology but also represents the contribution that I can make towards helping others in the field of healthcare. I am quite a hands-on individual so being able to gain the competence in gaining knowledge from investigating health from bodily fluids is quite fascinating and intriguing to me.
Success, in my eyes, is not solely defined by the acquisition of a degree or securing a well-paying job, although those are important goals for me. Success is about personal growth, resilience, and proving to myself that I can overcome the challenges life has thrown my way. It's about breaking stereotypes and surpassing expectations especially as most of my peers only defined me as a care leaver and nothing more. I believe that university provides me with the opportunity to develop and create my own identity.
The impact of education and university on my life has been profound. It has offered me a sense of purpose, stability, and the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. It has provided me with a support network and the chance to build lasting friendships. Education has not only broadened my knowledge but has also enhanced my self-confidence and belief in my abilities. I believe that I belong somewhere and that I have my own place on campus.
I hope my studies in Biomedical Science will have a lasting impact on my future. I aspire to contribute to advancements in healthcare, whether through research, innovation, or patient care. My journey through university has given me the tools to make a tangible difference in the lives of others and to serve as a role model for individuals who have faced similar challenges. I want to inspire hope in care-experienced youth, showing them that despite adversity, education can be the key to a brighter and more fulfilling future. University, to me, is a means of not only achieving my personal aspirations but also of giving back to the community and demonstrating the potential that lies within all of us, regardless of our past experiences.
I am so grateful for University especially with all the experiences and opportunities I have had which has provided me with so much purpose and ambition. I no longer feel constrained by stereotypes and or the perceptions other people had of me based off my past. I believe my studies have helped me with gaining experience and developing key life-skills which will provide me the stepping stones to pursue a masters in Biomedical Egyptology and then progress onto a research path through a PhD in Biosciences.
Sarah- Biomedical Science, University of Manchester
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
