By Roberta, MSc Physician Associate Studies student.
Our postgraduate student, Roberta, discusses the many challenges she’s overcome to get to where she is and why her postgraduate degree means so much to her. Keep reading to find out more about Roberta’s story.
Please be aware that this blog post discusses the following subjects: alcoholism, sexual assault, drug use, depression, self-harm, eating disorders. Please proceed with caution if you feel you will be affected by these topics.
Roberta’s story
My name’s Roberta and I’m a Physician Associates Masters student at UWE Bristol. I came to UWE Bristol through an unexpected path. After struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, I went to rehab in the South West and ended up settling in Bristol. I always knew I wanted to study and when I saw UWE Bristol offered a Biomedical Science degree, I jumped straight on board.
My undergraduate degree showed me I preferred working with people to working in the lab. It was important to me to find a people-facing element in my daily working life, which led me to postgraduate study. When I found the Physician Associate Studies Master’s degree at UWE Bristol, I knew it’d give me everything I wanted in a career.
My experience of returning to study
From when I was younger, I always had this feeling of not being good enough. I was 22 when I started my degree at UWE Bristol, and it scared me feeling like I was back at school. When I was at school, I didn’t fit in. But now I could bring maturity and life experience to university. I needed to build on my strength and resilience to find myself on my academic journey.
I met some like-minded people in the first few weeks of my undergraduate course and I fitted in perfectly. Then, when the opportunity arose for me to study the Physician Associate Master’s at UWE Bristol, I felt like it was the perfect degree at my favourite university.
“I love UWE Bristol and I would never have gone anywhere else.”
The challenges I’ve faced on my journey
I’ve faced many challenges in my life. Feeling like I didn’t fit in when I was growing up impacted my mental health, which led to self-harm, binge drinking and drug use. I also developed anorexia and bulimia, and experienced trauma in abusive relationships. I was a shell of a human being and a shadow of myself. Thankfully, I was given the gift of sobriety.
When I was 21 years old, I detoxed and went into rehab. Throughout my recovery, which is now over five years, I learned to care about myself. I’ve experienced more challenges along the way, including becoming a single parent during my undergraduate degree. Raising my little girl pushed me forward in my education.
Overcoming these challenges to get to where I am today
Thankfully, the majority of my third year went without a glitch. When finishing my undergraduate degree, I knew without a doubt the Physician Associate Master’s was what I wanted to do. For the first time in my life, I felt more worthy than I ever thought possible and was comfortable in my own skin.
My postgraduate degree is tough, and I’ve had to develop the self-awareness to be okay with asking for help. My supervisors and peers on the course have been there to help me. UWE Bristol offers a helping hand in your time of need – I’ve received support throughout both of my degrees.
“I’ve loved the support that I’ve received from the staff on the course. We’ve got some absolutely wonderful Physician Associates at UWE Bristol.”
Why I love my master’s degree
If I could put everything I love about learning into a degree, that would be my Physician Associate Master’s. I’m learning how other people work, from different perspectives. Being able to be a helping hand for someone else is a gift I never thought I’d be able to give.
Whether it’s a dealing with a cancer diagnosis or needing a new eczema cream, it doesn’t get better than supporting a patient when they’re at their low point. There are times when the learning and coursework are tough, but the hard work to get to that end goal is more than worth it.
The class size is small, so you build deeper relationships. You can rely on your peers when you need help because we’re all experiencing similar challenges with the exams and coursework. Being part of a community who are passionate about the course can support your mental health when times are tough.
My ambitions for the future
I’m lucky enough to have been offered a sponsorship placement in my first year. This is where GP practices or a hospital approach UWE Bristol to select Physician Associate students to work with them after they’ve graduated. I’ve also interviewed for a placement in Taunton and they’ve offered me a place.
This amazing opportunity will take some money off my second year funds, which will offer me more financial security when paying for childcare. I’ve already been given so much autonomy, even in the first few weeks of my placement. Knowing what I’ll be doing in clinic, either in a GP or hospital, it’s going to be incredible.
“I know there are great things to come for my future career, and progression in the role I’m pursuing.”
My advice to other students
The old me would fake a big smile and pretend that everything was perfect when it felt dark, bleak and painful. That scared girl has now turned into someone I love and celebrate on a daily basis. Celebrating yourself should be something you do every single day.
If you’re interested in healthcare and you want to directly help the patient, then the Physician Associate Master’s is for you. No matter what happens, no matter what your journey is, you can be your best self. Stick to being yourself and never give up on your dream. Because if I can do it, you can do it too.
Listen to Roberta’s full podcast on our Shout out to the Brave Podcast webpage.