Student Highlights
Third time’s a charm for Sarah
From arts to music to biomedical science. After struggling to find the right degree for her, Sarah now has her sights firmly set on becoming a doctor.
When Sarah finished high school, she enrolled in an Arts degree at a university in Melbourne. However, she quickly realised that wasn’t the right fit for her, and then switched to another university to study Music.
Despite persevering through four more years of study, Sarah had her heart set on something else – becoming a doctor.
She made the brave decision to listen to her instincts and chase her dream. Sarah applied to study Medicine but knowing that it is a competitive degree to get into it, Sarah armed herself with a backup plan.
And she’s glad she did.
“Biomedical Science at Newcastle was the only place I applied for in case I didn’t get into a Medicine degree and it ended up being the place I got into!” Sarah said.
From the big city of Melbourne to the small regional coastal town of Newcastle, it was a big change for Sarah.
“When I got to the University of Newcastle and started studying ‘Biomed’, I was honestly amazed at how different the Uni was to others I’d been too. It felt like finally I was in my right place and in the community that I’d belonged in,” Sarah said.
This really solidified Sarah’s degree choice.
“Having not been a science student for many years, I wanted a program where I’d gain a solid foundation and grasp on all things medicine-related. The Biomedical Science degree at the University of Newcastle has delivered all of that and more,” Sarah said.
The change also created some memorable moments and unique experiences for Sarah.
“The first Anatomy class I ever went to was honestly mind-blowing. I didn’t think I’d get the chance to work with cadavers at such an early stage in my degree. I feel really privileged to have access to the great equipment and labs we have here at the University of Newcastle.”
Sarah also loves that she is being challenged intellectually.
“Biomedical Science has allowed me to understand so much more about the science and medicine industry. The labs allow you to form a well-rounded idea of what PHD students and research scientists do,” Sarah said.
And for Sarah, it’s not only the academic side of the degree she values but also the social aspect.
“Some fellow students and I got together last semester and created a study group for people from any year group to talk about what we’re learning and quiz each other.
“It’s been really awesome to get to meet people from other year groups and to finally form some really solid friendships in my degree.”
Sarah is also President of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Society (BoBss), a club which brings together students across all years of the program to collaborate and support each other through their studies.
All the experiences that Sarah has been exposed because of her unconventional study path has helped give clarity to her future.
“I feel a lot more inspired and motivated to continue my studies onto Medicine one day. Fingers crossed!” Sarah said.
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Sarah English
Sarah English is a current student at the University of Newcastle studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
The first Anatomy class I ever went to was honestly mind-blowing. I didn’t think I’d get the chance to work with cadavers at such an early stage in my degree. I feel really privileged to have access to the great equipment and labs we have here at the University of Newcastle.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.