Health, Sport and Bioscience Graduate Profiles
Sarah - BSc Physiotherapy
I wanted to be a physiotherapist since I was a teenager, but for various reasons I’ve taken the long way round – I was 26 years old when I finally was able to embark on my degree. Lacking careers guidance, I made a terrible mistake of picking the wrong A-Levels when I was 16 – this meant as a traditional student I did not hold the necessary qualifications to study Physiotherapy. Rather than throw in the towel, I completed a Diploma in Sports Science and after I was offered a place to read BSc in Sports Rehabilitation and Science. Despite getting a merit and 2:2, I discovered my dream was still out of reach. Following various interview rejections for Physiotherapy work, a distinguished practicing physiotherapist took time out to give me some needed careers guidance and advised that if I really wanted to be physiotherapist I would have to go back to university and this route could not be circumnavigated.
In 2005, I applied to read a BSc in Physiotherapy at University of East London, due to its reputation as a university that welcomed students with alternative backgrounds – I earnestly hoped as a mature student with my qualifications and experience I’d be offered a place and would be finally given the life changing opportunity to pursue my heart’s desire.
I was not disappointed. I was accepted on the course and finally I feel that I’m in my element. Not that’s been plain sailing, I naturally find the pure science elements difficult and I have to work hard to do well – but I’m not about to let some challenging work get in the ways of my goals. Actually I had to re-sit a module in Neurophysiotherapy. At first I found this very, very difficult – realizing this was one of my weaknesses rather than avoiding the issue I elected to take a Neuroscience placement – the professional experience and practical application made everything fall into place and the penny dropped. When I re-sat the module, I passed with flying colours and consider this a reversal of fortunes: that whole experience and process made me realize that I want to specialize in Neurophysiotherapy. What a turnaround! I’ve loved my time at the School of Health of Bioscience and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to make my dreams come true.
