Ultimately Zainab

Written by Zainab M

My name is Zainab, and I am currently an intercalating Medical Student, pursuing an NIHR funded Master’s in International Business at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). After completing my first three preclinical years of medical school, I decided to take a year out and undertake an additional degree in an entirely different academic discipline to broaden my professional horizons and enhance my personal experience. Up until now, I have already been able to greatly extend the scope of my knowledge, meet new people from all over the world, and participate in various extra credit modules to enrich my industry experience, in preparation for future career pathways.

When it came to applying to university, I chose to do this during Sixth Form as I was certain that I wanted to continue my studies in higher education. However, reaching the decision that I would like to study Medicine was actually one that I did not arrive at until midway through Year 12, when I discovered my true passion for helping others along with my enthusiasm towards a career of lifelong learning and growth. The application process to medical school was definitely one of the more complicated routes to embark on, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was very much worth it in the end, when I received my firm choice at ARU.

My university experience so far has been extraordinary; I truly look forward to what is to come in the next few years. To start with, I have been fortunate enough to make many new friends for life, that continue to make this time even more special and exciting. Ensuring you have a reliable support network and a good work-life balance, particularly after moving away from home, can completely transform your university experience. I am extremely grateful to be living with, and sharing my journey with, friends that constantly push me to do my best and who I can count on to have fun.

I have also been extensively involved in a number of course based societies, whilst studying both medicine and business. For example, I was appointed to be the campaigns/diversity officer for the medical society along with the vice president for the plastics and reconstructive surgical society. Engaging with these roles has not only enabled me to enhance my interpersonal skills but has also vastly contributed to professional growth and the expansion of my network. More recently I co-founded and became president for the business society, aspiring to build a new community for the faculty by hosting a diverse range of exciting events and creating dynamic projects that drive innovation.

Additionally, I was successful in the student union elections and appointed as course representative for my entire cohort, assigning me with the responsibility of ensuring that all student voices are heard and valued. Participating in volunteering activities like these is a great way to build up your professional portfolio and has also certainly enabled me to enrich a number of core competencies that will definitely prove to be useful down the line.

Frequently engaging in part-time work with the ARU on-site recruitment agency is another approach I take towards refining my skills, meeting new people and gaining experience, with the added bonus of also earning money alongside my full-time studies.

The highlight of my time at university so far is undoubtedly attending and presenting at an international conference held in Palma de Mallorca. This was made possible through dedication and commitment towards a group project, highlighting that being present, working hard and aiming high can unlock endless possibilities at university. It was an incredible opportunity through which I was also able to write and publish my first ever paper, with the joint efforts of my peers and supervisors.

Zainab at the EDULearn international conference in Palma de Mallorca!

Life at university has, for sure, taught me (and consistently continues to teach me!) highly valuable lessons in a diverse range of ways. For instance, it has enlightened me a lot about myself; my strengths, weaknesses, priorities and character. The primary insight for me, however, is definitely regarding my future and the goals that I set myself. Studying and navigating the university experience often leads me to reflect on what I am ultimately hoping to achieve as well as the key targets I aim to accomplish along the way.

These principles also contribute considerably towards my ongoing evolution as a student in higher education and I can even recognise that I have developed considerably in numerous aspects since my first year. My confidence, for example, is a skill that I have been keen to work on and one that I have been able to boost significantly whilst at university. Each and every day I am able to learn something new and broaden my expertise, both of which contribute substantially to my personal and professional progress.

The principal reason behind this growth stems from a multitude of objectives that I strive to achieve on a daily basis, leading me to my guidance for all students. My first piece of advice would be to challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Venture beyond your limits and try new things with an open mind as you’ll never really know the outcome without giving it a go. The second would be to avoid dwelling on regrets from the past. Although it sounds cliché, everything does happen for a reason and so instead look towards the future and what you hope to accomplish moving forward. Finally, and probably most importantly, be sure to live your life to the fullest! Time at university flies by very quickly so whilst it is vital to work hard, it is also essential to make the most out of it all, create memories and remember to have fun.

My ultimate advice that remains to help me navigate life at university would be to aim high and be ambitious. The possibilities for goals and dreams are endless so embrace every opportunity, stay driven, and strive for success!