Mervyn Vumuka's story
Mervyn Vumuka's story
After many hospital visits and treatments, I finally overcame it. I still remember how liberating it felt to no longer have that weight over me and be able to live an active lifestyle without needing my inhaler. However, it was through this experience with asthma that I became curious about how the human body functions and how medications work. There are so many untreatable diseases in the world and a need for more scientists to find the relevant cures. I knew that I wanted to be a part of this change, but school was a difficult time for me, and I never thought I’d be able to get there.
Coming to university was one of the biggest accomplishments in my life and I never thought I’d get here. I moved to London from Birmingham at the age of 6. I remember feeling so isolated and alone having to change schools mid-year. That difficult transition in school greatly affected my relationship with education. It wasn’t that I didn’t understand the material, but I just didn’t prioritise school and gave in to distractions around me. My mother was one of my biggest sources of inspiration to get back on track in school and pursue higher education. I began implementing routines in my day-to-day life such as keeping my spaces tidy, implementing a healthy regimen, or ensuring I get 8 hours of sleep. I learnt that the seemingly most trivial habits in our lives can have the greatest effect on achieving our goals and finding our inner happiness.
The other day I went to visit my childhood home in Birmingham. Beyond all the emotions and childhood memories that spot brought to me, I couldn’t believe how far I had come. Don’t ever let a difficult moment in life stop you from achieving your goals. It’s human nature to have low moments. No matter how hopeless you might feel, you have the power to change your life and get back on track.
I am proud to say that the hard work paid off and I was awarded with a University of East London Partner Scholarship. I am now studying for a degree in chemistry, and I’ve already gained so much valuable insight from my professors and labs. The community at UEL has been incredible and I’ve never felt more welcomed and included.
