The study of Biomedical Sciences brings together two of my abiding passions: biological systems and being able to offer others meaningful, practical support and care. My fascination with biology started when I was about 11 years old, with a visit to the Museum of Science in Boston where I witnessed chicks hatching from their eggs and observed machines keeping count of the number of people that were born and who died each day. I was struck even then by a desire to understand the mechanisms of life that produce a chick from an egg, and how human inventions and instruments can assist such an understanding. I am excited about the opportunity to explore this dynamic area in depth as an Biomedical Sciences undergraduate.

At school, I am studying in the scientific section of the French Baccalauréat and my greatest interest lies in the study of biological systems and processes, such as cells and cell division, the human brain and genetics. A particular part of our science program that I have enjoyed studying is genetics and reproduction. I also find it fascinating that in the modern world, we now have proof that molecules invisible to the human eye live all around us, and even inside us. And with all of them working together, we are able to live as we do.

Furthermore, I also enjoy reading independently beyond the school syllabus to further develop my biological knowledge and understanding. I subscribe to scientific magazines, such as Science & Vie, where I enjoy learning most about the brain, the body and sometimes just random science facts. The Machinery of Life by David Goodsell is also a fascinating text, in which the author captures the complexity of complete cellular systems. He goes into detail about bacteria and their tools for “breaking and entering” into our bodies.

Beyond the purely academic sphere, in Summer 2013, I completed a work experience at the Thames Valley Clinical Research Centre of Synexus. The work placement offered me varied and fascinating experiences: I witnessed DEXA scans (a scan representing the density of bones, to be able to diagnose osteoporosis), the blood-taking procedure and was able to assist in the laboratory where I helped to ship out the samples. I also got to talk to the data co-ordinators, doctors and nurses to learn more about their studies, what they do and how they do it. I felt privileged to be allowed to sit in on patient consultations and I was given access to the various studies being conducted at the centre, such as one which is used to improve irritating rashes on the skin. The contact I had with patients enabled me to appreciate how these diseases affect people’s daily lives and this experience redoubled my desire to one day be able to find new treatments as well. It is my goal to be able to use my biomedical knowledge to offer practical assistance to others in the future.

In terms of extra-curricular interests, I have completed over 75 hours of charity work, I have practiced tae kwon do for 10 years, reaching the level right below the black belt (also called Bo dawn), which has taught me the importance of perseverance and self-discipline. I also play the guitar, swim, play tennis and enjoy keeping fit. In order to satisfy my creative instincts, I love to paint and draw (mostly with pencil) either abstract, imaginary or real life scenes. These interests help me strike a balance in my life between schoolwork and relaxation and I have developed excellent time management and organizational skills as a result.

Finally, I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of university life in the UK, both academic and social. To prepare myself for this next stage, I completed a summer course named SIG (Summer Institute for the Gifted) at Yale University, where I lived in a dorm, took regular classes in college preparation, crime scene investigation and art, as well as mixing with people from a variety of backgrounds. I hope that this experience in addition to my academic credentials, allied with my passionate interest in biological science and my desire to pursue this as a career, make me a strong candidate for undergraduate study.