Emanuela Howard BSc Biomedical Sciences, 2015

Graduate

After I graduated I took a gap year to work, save money and decide what I wanted to do next. I ended up deciding to apply for MBBCH Graduate entry Medicine and I got accepted into Swansea University.

I chose Biomedical Sciences because I was always fascinated with biology and sciences in general. When I turned 18, I had a proper hunger for knowledge and I wanted to do something useful with my life, hence I chose to pursue a career in scientific research. I don't think I would have been satisfied studying anything else. I chose Southampton because it is one of the best universities in the UK when it comes to scientific research. It’s also as sunny as it can possibility get in England!

At Southampton, I enjoyed the atmosphere of support, but also of ambition. Everyone tries to help you when you are having a hard time, however they also try to push you to achieve your very best. The teaching staff are demanding, but at the same time easy-going. They have different backgrounds and different approaches to teaching, but they all aim for excellence. The whole campus is really nice. The library has plenty of space and computers, but I especially appreciated all the greenery.

I was lucky enough to become an international student representative for my faculty during my first year. I held the position for the entire length of my degree. We had a few exciting trips funded by the faculty; one to Oxford, one to London and another one to the New Forest. These trips were great opportunities for international students to explore and appreciate the UK.

During my second year I won a bursary awarded by the Physiological Society, which allowed me to participate in an in-vivo course is Glasgow. I had the chance to understand the rules and implications of using animals for scientific experiments. It was very instructive and really added to my development. I made some awesome friends as well, definitely one of my best memories.

Ironically my best memories are about the exam period. I worked hard and really pushed myself and this makes me really proud of myself today. My friends and I really supported each other; we studied together, ate together and took breaks together. Those times always remind me of how strong we can be.

After I graduated I took a gap year to work, save money and decide what I wanted to do next. I ended up deciding to apply for MBBCH Graduate entry Medicine and I got accepted into Swansea University. This makes me incredibly proud as I had to work very hard to pass the entrance exam and the interview process, but I was well equipped and very determined. I believe that Southampton taught me to be efficient and to use my potential to the fullest. Even more importantly, it taught me to aim high.