The student ambassador's story
I was really impressed with the facilities and the support they had for students with disabilities.
Why did you choose the University of Greenwich?
I chose to come to the University of Greenwich to study biomedical science because I was really impressed with the facilities and the support they had for students with disabilities. As I have health issues, knowing that the support would be in place for me when I started was a big priority for me.
What have been the biggest obstacles in the way of you getting to university?
My health was the biggest obstacle I faced. I have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and a condition called neurofibromatosis, which means I need regular surgery. I had a lot of time off school when I was doing my A-levels and didn't do very well. I almost gave up on my dream of coming to uni but I went to college where I did a BTEC course and got 100%. So not only did I come to university, I got a scholarship as well.
Who inspired you to come to university?
It has to be my mum. She didn't go to university but has always been there to support me. It was difficult for both of us throughout my childhood because of my health issues but she's always been there to encourage me. When I was about to give up on my dream, she was the one who told me to carry on and that anything is possible.
How do you overcome difficulties during your studies?
I am about to have my second operation this academic year. I prepare myself by emailing course tutors and alerting them that I will be off. The university has been fantastic at making sure that the support is in place for me after surgery so that I can achieve the high grades I want.
Since I started studying here, the university has always been there for me, pushing me towards what I want to do in the future.
How has the University of Greenwich helped you achieve your goals?
Since I started studying here, the university has always been there for me, pushing me towards what I want to do in the future. The academic staff are great – they're always there for guidance. I'm now an AccessAbility Ambassador, which means I work closely with other students with disabilities or mental health conditions.
What are your ambitions for the future?
After I finish my undergraduate degree, I want to do a Master's as well as a PhD and am thinking of going into medical research. I want to show that anything's possible. It doesn't matter what challenges you face, be they health or personal issues, if you put the work in and want to achieve something, you will do it.
Since I started studying here, the university has always been there for me, pushing me towards what I want to do in the future.
Megan's "Choose Greenwich" top three
- The support that is available to me should I need it, given the issues I have with my health.
- The vast experience of the teaching staff, they have every kind of speciality going in my department and that was important.
- The facilities are incredible and it's a local university to me - I grew up not far from here - and all three campuses are beautiful.
