Part of the Etc.
Sharon, a former student of St Patrick’s Catholic College, has gone from strength to strength since finishing at SRC Bede Sixth Form. Last year we caught up with her after she’d found out she’d got the grades needed to study medicine at the University of Plymouth – she was over the moon as it was there that her dad served in the Navy. Medicine is close to her heart too, as her mother is a nurse and has always been a strong role model for her.
Now, one year on, Sharon says that it is the best decision she ever made, and that she is loving the course and really enjoying the clinical learning, particularly human anatomy and practical examinations. She doesn’t deny that the course is very challenging, bringing a new environment and new types of learning, but once she got used to it she’s settled in well: “For the first two weeks I was homesick and upset, but I’m learning to be independent and this experience is already changing me into a better person – I’ve grown to trust myself. I’m looking forward to going back and starting my second year!”
Sharon, who grew up in Thornaby, chose to study at SRC Bede as it was a “genuinely friendly environment”. She added that “Biology looked amazing at the open days”, which finalised her decision. It was biology that Sharon unfortunately had to resit, in order to secure her place at Plymouth, and she said she never would have done it if it hadn’t been for her teacher, Gemma, who convinced her that she was capable. “She was really caring and helpful, and motivated me to do the resit. She even gave up some of her own time to help me prepare for it.”
When asked what advice Sharon would offer to anyone considering studying medicine, she recommend that they try to do some work experience, to help make sure it’s what they really want to do. “They should also do some extracurricular things, like the Duke of Edinburgh awards for example, to help build their confidence, meet new people and develop teamwork and social skills. All of those things will prep them for going to university.”
We wish Sharon every success, and hope her story inspires others that you shouldn’t give up and can always try again.
Are you interested in studying with us? Find out more about the subjects Sharon studied at SRC Bede Sixth Form:
"Bede is a genuinely friendly environment”
Now, one year on, Sharon says that it is the best decision she ever made, and that she is loving the course and really enjoying the clinical learning, particularly human anatomy and practical examinations. She doesn’t deny that the course is very challenging, bringing a new environment and new types of learning, but once she got used to it she’s settled in well: “For the first two weeks I was homesick and upset, but I’m learning to be independent and this experience is already changing me into a better person – I’ve grown to trust myself. I’m looking forward to going back and starting my second year!”
Sharon, who grew up in Thornaby, chose to study at SRC Bede as it was a “genuinely friendly environment”. She added that “Biology looked amazing at the open days”, which finalised her decision. It was biology that Sharon unfortunately had to resit, in order to secure her place at Plymouth, and she said she never would have done it if it hadn’t been for her teacher, Gemma, who convinced her that she was capable. “She was really caring and helpful, and motivated me to do the resit. She even gave up some of her own time to help me prepare for it.”
When asked what advice Sharon would offer to anyone considering studying medicine, she recommend that they try to do some work experience, to help make sure it’s what they really want to do. “They should also do some extracurricular things, like the Duke of Edinburgh awards for example, to help build their confidence, meet new people and develop teamwork and social skills. All of those things will prep them for going to university.”
We wish Sharon every success, and hope her story inspires others that you shouldn’t give up and can always try again.
Are you interested in studying with us? Find out more about the subjects Sharon studied at SRC Bede Sixth Form:
