Jemima is an MSc Adult Nursing student. She is hoping to become a registered nurse and continue her learning into tropical medicine and progress in her nursing career.
What were you doing before you came to study at City?
I completed a BSc in Biomedical Sciences at Cardiff University, which included a year in industry (where I worked in Madrid, Spain).
After my degree, I started work in retail and then went to East Africa to travel.
I came home early due to Covid and applied to work as a healthcare assistant.
I was working as a healthcare assistant in the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for two years before starting at City.
Why did you choose City?
While I was researching universities, City came up as one of the top three in the league tables and I had read how amazing their student satisfaction was.
This led me to delve deeper into my research into the university specifically. I then felt that City was a very proactive university - they seemed to always be doing something impressive!
I also really liked that all the members of staff (even the Dean) were still actively working in health and so I felt that my experience was going to be really enhanced by their lived experiences.
When I went to visit City during a postgraduate open evening, it felt like home! Everyone was so friendly, welcoming and happy to help.
Not to mention the location - I loved how central it was and the fact that it was in the heart of the bustling city, yet it was a little pocket of peacefulness around Northampton Square. It definitely confirmed my decision!
What does a typical week at university look like for you?
At the end of each week, I go through all my modules and assessments and write a plan for the following week, which fits around my lectures.
Each week looks a bit different, but I usually have the majority of my university hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
This consists of 3 biology lectures, 1 seminar, 1 tutorial, 1 research lecture and 1 lecture on long term care and needs for patients.
In my plan, I make sure I do the prior learning for the seminars and tutorials and then I will always go through each teaching session to complete my notes and add any further research necessary to enhance my learning.
I play netball once a week on a Tuesday evening and I go to the gym 3-4 times a week.
I have two volunteer jobs, one teaching First Aid to young people and one visiting a member of the Mencap service so I may have to complete a session/visit at some point in the week.
I will usually do one shift a week with one of my jobs (first aider at events, childminder, working as an Ambassador at City).
Then usually on one weekday evening and the weekends, I like seeing my friends or spending time with my boyfriend!
This includes baking, cooking, going to exhibitions, cycle rides, coffees, brunches and sometimes out to the pub in the evening.
What has been your favourite module or aspect of your course so far?
My favourite aspects of my course are the seminars and tutorials. I never had these in my undergraduate degree, only lectures.
I love the smaller group work and being able to offer my own ideas as well as hear what others have to say.
They provide an opportunity to ask questions and delve deeper into a topic/ subject.
I have really enjoyed them and I feel that I have learnt a lot from them!
What opportunities and experiences has City offered you so far?
I am part of the Nursing society and during the welcome fair, I signed up to so many societies including a university radio, drama society and netball.
I have also had the opportunity to work as an ambassador of the university in events such as the open days and as a schools liaison ambassador at university fairs in schools, for example.
As I said, the university is so proactive and there is so much on offer!
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
I am hoping to become a registered nurse and continue my learning into tropical medicine and progress in my nursing career.
I have lots of aspirations and my ultimate dream would be to work with Medicins Sans Frontieres charity.
City has provided me with a breath of knowledge and skills necessary for me to reach them.
Date of interview: