Jess
Coming to Marden
Having already completed my SACE, I enrolled at Marden in 2014 with the goal of improving my knowledge of the sciences, while seeking another opportunity to enter an undergraduate medical course. Marden provided the flexibility that could accommodate my unique learning requirements and offered guidance from teachers with a wealth of experience.
Experience at Marden Senior College
Many students have described Marden as an institution built on independence and self-learning. Although, initially this seemed to be true, I eventually realised that the teachers and staff were undeniably supportive in assisting their students to achieve future goals. The teachers at Marden equipped students with skills required beyond secondary education. I began to reflect on their advice in the final years of tertiary study and realised that with great diligence, perseverance and patience, these goals could potentially become reality.
I was met with several challenges during my year at Marden, which ended in greater disappointment when I was unable to pursue medicine. At first, the reality was difficult to accept, as my heart was set on medicine. However, little did I know, this ‘failure’ would lead to other opportunities that commenced my future in research. Currently in my final year of the Bachelor of Medical Science, I have learnt to overcome more of these challenges, which has helped me to become more open-minded.
Achievements to date
The research driven nature of my course has provided many opportunities to work with research fellows, lecturers and professors. I was fortunate enough to gain research skills during my summer and winter research scholarships through Flinders Medical Centre, the Heart Research Institute, and the University of Sydney.
These opportunities have lead me to realise the importance of a research background in clinical practise and how a clinical background could also assist researchers in finding better treatment for patients. My ultimate goal is pursue a career in medicine as a clinician, with a focus on research in my field of interest.
