Where are you from?
Frimley Green
Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?
Honestly I didn't, I came through clearing, but it was the best thing to ever happen to me! Previously I wanted to study Biochemistry but missed out by three marks and ended up here to do Biomedical Science instead, but through that I realised I wanted to go into medicine, which I never would have if I had got into the original course.
What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?
I love Newcastle, it's beautiful and there's all sorts to do, other than the obvious! There are so many hidden gems, so I'd say a good old 4am down the Quayside wander is my favourite thing, it's just so pretty.
What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?
How friendly people are and how different Newcastle is to how it is portrayed on programmes like Geordie Shore (Thankfully!), but saying that the nightlife is amazing and there's something for everyone; from the Diamond strip to nights like Apex, Alpha and Zap.
What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?
It'll sound cliche but the freedom of being away from home, I miss it occasionally but a quick visit soon sorts that out when I realise up here, I don't have to do anything I don't want to.
Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?
There is a few members of staff who have reallly had my back since I came here but my top two are, Kim Buffery who helped defend me in an academic misconduct case, and Clare Lanyon who is generally one of the most helpful lecturers out there.
Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?
The Neurosurgeon I saw change a little girl's life with one operation.
What is your favourite place on campus?
The SU
Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?
I have been involved as Welcome week and RAG as a Lay student councillor which was amazing (despite the freshers flu) and met some people that really will be friends for life, I am currently raising money for a chairty called DigDeep with a team from Uni to climb Kilimanjaro, an experience that goes without saying to be intense in all forms and is finally going to come off my bucket list.
What is the best thing about your course?
The practical aspect of the dissertation I am currently writing, it was so interesting, and gave me lots to talk about in my masters applications.
What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?
Presentation skills without a doubt as they come up more often than you would imagine, and the ability to research and write up lab reports by diagnosing patients...for someone that wants to be a doctor it is a really useful thing to already have experience in.
Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?
I went on a few clinical placements including at a MENCAP unit for adults with physical and mental learning difficulties, a Palliative care unit where I helped aid people in the very final stages of life, a GP's office and I shadowed a general surgeon. Each placement gave me something, mainly communication skills, and how important it is to treat every individual as such especially those with learning difficulties as their needs are the same but they can't express them, and you really have to care. When I was with the surgeon I realised that was what I wanted to do, when I saw him operating on a child's brain, removing a tumour that had altered her behaviour and was growing. The relief on the parents face and the smile that little girl had when she said the pain had gone inspired me to want to follow medicine as a career.
If you had 3 words to sum up your time with us what would they be?
Drinking, Hard-work, Worth-every-damn-second
Would you recommend Northumbria University to a friend?
Yes
