I am the first in my family to go to ​university, and was one of only two ​students from my school/sixth form to ​go onto study medicine. I am ​absolutely aware of and very grateful ​for my privileges, particularly my ​incredible family for all of their support ​(especially my mum who raised me as ​a single parent), but I don’t really fit the ​‘traditional’ picture of someone who ​goes into medicine, and I like to give ​myself a little bit of credit for that.

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I absolutely loved my university years ​and made so many amazing memories. ​Throughout my 5 years, I really focused ​on developing the most effective study ​techniques that were both effective and ​productive i.e. actually worked, but also ​saved me time in order to maximise ​other areas of my life. I was determined ​to succeed in exams and push myself, ​but I also wanted to maximise my ​university experience, put energy into ​my relationships, go home often to see ​my family, and squeeze in a few trips ​along the way.

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I developed the study and ​productivity techniques that I ​absolutely swore by and these led me ​to rank first in my cohort of over 300 ​students for my medical degree.

 

I really do know that grades are not ​everything and absolutely don’t define ​you, but as long as it is something that ​is fulfilling you and not taking away ​from other areas of your life: I say go ​for it, push yourself and make yourself ​proud. You really can do it all.