The idea of departing from home and relocating to a new city to commence university can seem monumental – even intimidating – yet concurrently, there is the thrill of a new chapter awaiting, ready to be explored.
University offers the ideal setting to embody the person you aspire to be, stepping beyond your comfort zone and evolving into a more assured version of yourself. Plot twists, pivotal moments, and main character energy are all integral to the experience, as demonstrated by these three students from the University of Greenwich. They share the key elements of their university journey and what that path has signified for them.
‘Clearing is a really significant opportunity for individuals’
Ojoachenyo Onuh, known as Ojo, didn’t quite begin her university experience as she had envisioned. “Initially, I felt like an imposter,” recounts Ojo. “I was thinking, ‘Wow, I’m actually here.’” This was because she initially sought to study optometry, but upon receiving her A-level results, she hadn’t achieved the necessary grades. “I was nowhere near my predicted outcomes,” she explains, which led her to doubt everything. “It felt like a mini existential crisis!”
She resolved to reflect on her true passion for science. “I went back to my basics,” she states. “I love biology, I love chemistry, but physics isn’t my strong suit, so I thought, maybe something in pharmaceuticals, let’s investigate – and that’s when Greenwich came into view.”
After securing her position through Clearing at the University of Greenwich, she had to undergo a foundation year prior to beginning her three-year degree in pharmaceutical sciences, which Ojo believes significantly enhanced her confidence. “It felt a bit like a gap year,” she remarks. “It provided me with space to determine if I was pursuing the correct path.”
Ultimately, she was indeed on the right track. Now in her fourth and concluding year, Ojo’s research on drug formulations for pulmonary tuberculosis is set to be published, and she can hardly believe her growth. “As a student ambassador, I even found myself supporting others navigating Clearing, which made me realize its importance for many,” Ojo says, reflecting on what she describes as a full-circle moment. “It’s been a wild experience, but one I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
‘This has enabled me to become the best version of myself’
First-year student Youssef Hesso has always harbored a dedication to aiding others, which is why he opted to study paramedic science at the University of Greenwich. “I think it’s due to my origins in Syria, a war-torn country,” says Youssef. His family relocated from Syria to Egypt before settling in a small village in Gloucestershire when he was 11.
Youssef considered studying in London a significant decision, but he also acknowledged the nerves that came with it – “I transitioned from a small village where I was familiar with everyone, to a large city. It was a considerable leap and quite daunting,” he explains. “Yet I was prepared for the possibilities.” Greenwich smoothly acclimated Youssef to urban life: “It possesses a village atmosphere, and the university feels like a second home.”
As part of his program, Youssef engages with the London ambulance service once a week, relishing the diverse experiences he encounters “from the elderly to newborns.” However, he truly began to discover his potential when he became involved with the university societies. “My family is Kurdish, and I noticed the absence of a Kurdish society, so I collaborated with some classmates, and we established one,” he remarks. Blessed with a knack for finance, he was appointed treasurer. In moments of self-doubt, Youssef reflects on his past – transitioning to a country where he initially didn’t understand the language, then embarking on his university journey in an unfamiliar city. “All of this contributes to my becoming the best version of myself,” he states.
‘A major presentation made me envision my future’
Upon Kristina Mikulasikova’s initial arrival on campus, she felt she had discovered her rightful place. “I had this instinctive feeling that Greenwich was where I was meant to be,” she confides. Now, having completed her degree in digital marketing and advertising from the university, Kristina is thrilled she heeded her intuition.
The first year of her program focused largely on theory, but in her second year, she had the chance to apply everything she’d absorbed. “I had to deliver a significant presentation to actual clients,” she recalls. “It was incredibly daunting – there I was, presenting my marketing plan to high-profile industry experts.” As she executed her presentation, Kristina experienced a revelation: “Wow, this is it, this is what I’ll be doing for my career.” With each subsequent presentation, her self-assurance flourished. “It just felt phenomenal, honestly,” she shares. “Now I’m thoroughly at ease with public speaking. I relish giving presentations and sharing my ideas for others to absorb and perhaps implement.”
Kristina is aware that this is her path, attributing her growth to Greenwich as the environment that nurtured her self-belief. It’s the university that guided her towards becoming the individual she always envisioned. “It’s astonishing how a single moment can catalyze a cascade of extraordinary moments,” she reflects.
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