Hi,
I saw on the PS forum that you are willing to help people with their statements. I've completed a draft and would really really appreciate some help. So please could you look over it and give me some feedback?
As a child, whenever asked what I wanted to do in the future by patting relatives, I would always reply ‘Medicine’. The career satisfied my childhood dream of inventing a drug that could make my mother and I live together forever, as well as my relatives’ great expectations of me. Now my reply is still the same; though it is the human interaction and the prospect of improving the quality of one’s life rather than prolonging it that fuel my dedication to Medicine.
My first exposure to Medicine was my self-arranged week of work experience at the Dubai Dry Docks Clinic. I learnt from the nurses essential First Aid procedures and methods of taking vital signs. I enjoyed immensely the practical side of Medicine and was proud to have conducted a complete physical check-up on a new employee! In addition, I observed close teamwork between doctors and nurses and appreciated its importance in the efficiency of the clinic.
I was also interested to experience the profession from a doctor’s point of view; hence I contacted the Beijing United Family Hospital to shadow a GP for two weeks. I was fascinated by the GP’s detailed diagnostic process, for problems ranging from cysts to slipped-discs using physical examinations, a full medical history and of course, her own judgement. During consultations, I also had the opportunity to interact with patients when I translated for the GP: I took care to be attentive to the patients’ concerns and explain to them concisely the GP’s recommendations. I got acknowledged for my effective communication skills and experienced their importance in Medicine. In addition, the GP’s holistic approach to Medicine really appealed to me. One of my most profound memories was a patient who came to have her IUD removed and whom also presented with symptoms of anxiety and depression. I admired the GP’s attentive and empathetic approach to the patient’s family problems and the reassuring advice she gave. It was at that moment that I understood that Medicine is a delightful blend of art and science.
Moreover, I established a positive relationship with the GP. We had stimulating discussions about the recently developed vaccine for cervical cancer as well as other issues related to cancer – an area of special interest to me. I esteem the GP’s effort in constant learning so that patients are treated with the best options; it is an aspect of the profession that I eagerly await.
I had my own experience of self-education when I taught myself the second half of eight IGCSEs. Despite complex family problems I had to deal with and the loneliness of home-schooling, I persisted in my studies. During the year, I constantly motivated myself to adhere to my study schedule. In the process, I also learned the management of stress by becoming well-organised and developing a healthy lifestyle. I believe this will be a very usefull skill in my future career as a doctor. After the year’s experience I treasure more than ever the value of teaching and learning alongside peers. At my new school, I have strived to reach my maximum potential in the rigours of the IB course. In particular, I enjoy Biology from which I have grasped fundamental concepts that govern physiological processes in living organisms and Chemistry which has given me a sound introduction to the study of Biochemistry later in medical school. Moreover, spurred by the ‘Health and Diseases’ topic in Biology, I have become an avid reader of medical issues in New Scientist, especially those related to endemics in China such as SARS and the recent Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease.
I have volunteered at the local orphanage for visually impaired children over the past year. My roles included teaching the children basic skills such as putting their clothes on and counselling them. It was initially disheartening to see the impact of a disability on the children’s lives but it was rewarding to learn how much they appreciated my friendship. Via the experience, I also developed patience and empathy. At school, as a reliable and efficient figure in ‘Teens Act for AIDS’, I have made educational presentations to discourage discrimination and raising funds for infected orphans in China. I have also enjoyed working in a team in the school drama production, the volleyball team, the Bronze D of E expedition, and the rural China water sustainability project that I lead, which recently won the best service project award out of all the international schools in China.
I eagerly anticipate the realisation of my dream, since childhood, of studying Medicine. Furthermore I look forward to a diverse UK student culture and adding to it my own ten years of international experience.
Heeey!!
DRA is really nice, my parents just didn't trust me with the whole money aspect of having to buy my own food in 1st year so they said I had to go catered! ! Quite annoying because I'm quite a fussy eater, but I here that there's always a salad option at least.
haha, I'm exactly the same! I always seem to take on too much and find myself stressing over things.
Oh yay!! I LOVE play scottish music, although I was classically trained in the past few years I've started to enjoy scottish music so much more so yup, I'm def in for a ceilidh band! !
Yeah, accommodation form is in. I'm hoping for DRA. Self-catered all the way for me im afraid! I'm too fussy to go catered! Also I can't eat some foods so it's just easier if i cook for myself.
I'm hoping to keep them up but I'm just going to see how much time allows and see what I can fit in. I'm quite bad for taking on to do too much and I can't say no! I do Highland dancing! Really enjoy it!
So do u like playin scottish stuff?! Perhaps a ceilidh band..... hmm
yaaay! nice to meet you!! I'm so excited about going to St Andrews. Yes, I sent my form about a week or so ago I put standard catered 1, ensuite catered 2, ensuite self catered 3 and finally standard self catered. How about you?
Oh wow thats so cool! we've got so much in common hehe! I do hip hop. So will you be planning to keep your violin and dancing up. I think I will.
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Aw thats a shame. They're prob right tho, less worries over buying ur food etc.
I should warn you though, I'm not very good. I just play for fun!
Heeey!!
