Genta Hasani
As someone who is very meticulous and not at all spontaneous, the decision to apply for a degree which knew nothing about was possibly the most reckless thing I’d ever done. All I had ever wanted to do, since I could remember, was to become a doctor. Everything I had done leading up to applications was to increase my chances of getting into medicine. However, a seed of doubt had been planted in the back of my mind as soon as things started seeming more possible.
Work Experience - A Turning Point
It was after my work experience when I first began questioning everything. I was lucky enough to spend a week at Royal Free Hospital in the Obstetrics and gynaecology department where I was able to get a feel of what its like to work in that environment. Prior to this, I had only attended online work experience and webinars. This is where I implore everyone to try their best to get in-person work experience since this provides you with the most accurate representation of what you’re getting yourself into! Nothing terrible happened during my time at the hospital, but I was faced with the reality that medicine isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I applaud everyone who works in the healthcare field – especially in a hospital environment – as it is often overlooked how much dedication, commitment and tireless efforts it requires. After this, I found myself always looking for reasons to justify why this career isn’t for me. However, I had such tunnel vision that I never explored other career paths. Since I couldn’t think of anything else, I continued with my application. I sat the entrance exams, I did well and got interviews. Essentially, I have just dug myself an even deeper hole since now I felt as if I had literally no choice but to keep moving forward. I then found out that I had failed my interviews secret sigh of relief. Looking back, I believe I wasn’t passionate enough and if I’m being completely honest, I didn’t try my best either.
Why I Took a Gap Year
I was pleased with my A-level results and didn’t want to rush my decision by going through clearing. I felt pressure from my peers who were telling me that universities don’t go for gap year students – this is misinformation and don’t let it deter you from taking a gap year. I also thought that because I did Maths, Biology and Chemistry that I’d be limited to healthcare. Thankfully I had very supportive parents who had reassured me that they are fully supportive with whatever I choose to do as long as I was happy with it.
Discovering a New Passion
So now I’m on my gap year and have a plethora of different career paths to choose from. I am now at stage one again. I looked into finance/economics, but it didn’t appeal to me. I tried to investigate other healthcare fields but again nothing was appealing to me. My dad and I had always spoken about technology and how it is advancing so drastically so this is sort of where my curiosity began. I researched about what this course entails and reached out to people and peers who are in this field asking for their advice. It was nice to have some encouragement from people that despite my lack of experience in this field, told me that I shouldn’t shy away. I partook in online courses and loved the feeling of creating something myself. I also found myself enjoying researching about how this field relates to healthcare - it gave me a sense of familiarity. I was able to reflect on my work experience through a different light. Funnily enough, writing my personal statement was also a lot easier to write this time round which is a big green flag.
My First Semester
What I realised very early on in the semester was that a lot of people in my course had never done Computer Science before either. It was very reassuring to know there are other people who were in the same boat as me, and we could work together to figure things out. Those who had studied Computer Science at A-Level were also a massive help. They were very patient with all my questions, no matter how basic they seemed. One tip that I’m sure applies to all courses is to make friends with older students. Their advice and help can go a long way! The lecturers are also very aware us novices, hence why their modules are structured in a way that is easy for beginners to understand the basics and progressively build on that foundation. You get endless support from all avenues. All my apprehensions were eventually put to rest.
Reflecting On My Journey
Looking back on this journey, I realise that sometimes the path we expect to take isn’t always the one that’s right for us. My initial doubts about medicine led me to explore new possibilities, and though it was daunting at first, I’m now in my second semester and am excited for what awaits me. It’s a reminder that career decisions don’t always follow a straight line, and taking time to explore different options can lead to unexpected, but rewarding, discoveries. I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the support I’ve received along the way, and I’m eager to see where this new direction takes me.
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