Ultimately Farrah

Ultimately Uni
May 29
3 min read

Updated: Jun 4

By Farrah A

My name is Farrah and I’m a Second Year Medical Student at the University of

Manchester. Although my academic background is in science, I’d definitely describe myself as a creative. I wear many hats and am constantly getting stuck in to one

side quest or another!

Get to know me!

My journey hasn’t been a straight line: it actually started with a rejection. I didn’t get

into Med School my first time of applying and ended up taking a gap year. I initially

saw it as a huge setback, but looking back, that year was one of the biggest

blessings! Plus, who am I racing against anyway?

It gave me time to grow, reflect, and mature and also taught me resilience before I

even stepped into university. When I did finally get into the University of Manchester,

it was all worth it and a dream come true!!

Farrah presenting at a national conference!

The key highlights of my academic life so far have been my involvement in societies, charities and community-led projects. I’ve served as a member of the African Caribbean Medical Society (ACMS) at Manchester, helping to create events that uplift and support Black healthcare students, including 2 national conferences. I also had the opportunity to complete an internship at a pharmaceutical company, which challenged my idea of what I always thought my career “should” look like.

Outside of Medicine, I am rooted in faith and creativity. I enjoy singing, community event organising, making social media content amongst many of my hobbies. Recently I’ve started exploring presenting as a new creative outlet too. I’ve learned to view university as life’s training ground. It isn’t just about lectures and library sessions – it’s the moments in between that really shape you.

Farrah singing in worship - she has a fantastic voice! 🎤

With all of that being said, these first couple of years have been emotionally

Farrah overcoming imposter syndrome and winning an award! Go Farrah! 🤩

challenging. Being away from home for the first time and having to look after myself while managing a demanding degree brought up feelings I wasn’t prepared for. Imposter syndrome and thoughts of quitting have crept in more times than I can count. But all of those moments taught me how to stand on my own two feet, how to accept support and how to be kinder to myself.

It's okay to be your own biggest cheerleader! University has taught me to dare and be audacious. This looks like showing up to lectures when you’re burnt out or taking risks like applying for opportunities you feel underqualified for and speaking up when you’re the only person in the room who looks like you. It looks like failing sometimes and not letting that define you! And if you’re navigating imposter syndrome – know this: it’s a liar. You belong in every room you find yourself in. Your presence matters. Don’t let doubt talk you out of your destiny.