Ultimately Praise

By Praise K

My journey into science began with a question that no one could answer.

As a child, I watched my grandfather deteriorate from an undiagnosed genetic

condition. We didn’t have answers. We didn’t have a name for what was happening

to him. That sense of confusion, helplessness, and grief planted something deep

inside me – a desire to understand, to investigate, and to prevent other families from

experiencing the same silence. That’s where my story began.

Fast forward to today: I am a Biomedical Sciences student at Edge Hill University,

with a growing foundation in molecular genetics, microbiology, and biostatistics. But

if I’m being honest, my path hasn’t been straight. It’s been shaped by detours,

unexpected blessings, and moments of redirection – and one of the most defining of

those was my first-ever internship at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

At the time, it was a 3-week placement, but the impact was lifelong. I entered curious

but uncertain, unsure how someone like me would fit into the world of biomedical

research. I left inspired, focused, and reimagining what my future could be. I saw

drug discovery in action. I saw scientists from different backgrounds contributing to

something bigger than themselves. That short experience made me realise it wasn’t

medicine I wanted to pursue - it was science. It was discovery. It was change.

More Than One Path

Since that turning point, I’ve said yes to every opportunity to grow. I completed

further work experience at Immunocore. I designed and delivered a research project

on how pesticides affect endometrial receptivity. I pushed myself to improve my

analytical skills during my internship at Bloomberg. These experiences stretched me,

challenged me, and reminded me that growth often lives just outside your comfort

zone.

But I’m more than my CV.

I’m a writer, with an article published in Women Alive magazine. I’m a communicator,

passionate about making science understandable and inclusive. I’m a Christian – my

faith shapes how I work, how I lead, and how I serve. A verse that has carried me

through it all is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the

Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a

future.” I’ve held onto that promise in moments of doubt and transition.

And I’m proud to be a Black woman in science – navigating systems not always built

for people like me, and choosing to build anyway. That’s why being part of the

African Caribbean Society (ACS) at university has meant so much. It’s a space

where I can show up fully – to connect, to celebrate, to lead, and to be seen.

University, for me, hasn’t just been about lectures and lab coats. It’s been a space of

deep formation. I’ve learnt how to speak up, how to stand alone, how to collaborate,

how to rest. I’ve learnt that being multi-dimensional isn’t a weakness – it’s my

superpower.

Reflections and Advice

Looking back, university has taught me more than any textbook ever could. It’s

taught me resilience – how to keep going when the road changes. It’s taught me to

trust my gut, trust the process, and most importantly, trust God. I’ve evolved from

someone who was unsure where she fit in, to someone who knows she doesn’t have

to fit – she can carve her own space.

And if I could offer one piece of advice? It’s this: don’t shrink yourself. You are

allowed to be complex. You are allowed to love science and storytelling, data and

poetry, lab work and worship. You don’t have to choose one version of yourself.

You’re allowed to be all of it.

So here I am. Not just the sum of my grades or research placements. But someone

who believes in curiosity, creativity, community, and change. Someone who believes

in purpose – and the power of walking in it.

Ultimately, walk boldly in who you are.

You are allowed to evolve. You are allowed to take up space. And when it feels like

the world is silent, remember:

“When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.” – Malala

Yousafzai

And that voice? It’s mine. This is Ultimately Praise.