Anais joined us in Sydney in January 2023

What made you decide to submit an essay for the competition?

I’m Anais. I’m from Sydney, and right now I’m studying creative writing at the University of Sydney. I applied to the essay competition online after an email from my school. Coming up to the essay competition deadline, I was sort of aware that I wanted to write something and submit it, but I was still unsure about subjects and things because I had lots of subjects that I’m doing in school and that I’m interested in pursuing and definitely looking through the essay prompts helped. The creative writing one, ‘which key attributes make protagonists likeable’ was such a general, but also a really interesting question. I think it just inspired me to start research on it immediately.

The essay resources were especially helpful, such as the referencing guide, I found those ones very helpful as well as student testimonies about how the essays were constructed – I definitely looked through a lot of them because you do write a 500-word essay very often. So I think definitely in that process of writing it, figuring out which key information to include, which sources to reference, what sort of angle they were looking for in quite these like broad conceptual questions, it was really great having a reference point going into the essay.

Starting my essay, I took a lot of notes, figured out which ones went together well, and then sort of wrote a first draft very quickly after that. In such a creative subject with so much like subject area coursework that you could explore, and different angles you could take on it. In my Immerse classes, the sort of philosophical seminar-based discussions that we’ve been having is really unlike anything that I’ve experienced in school and have been really, really enjoyable.

I sort of slept in on the morning that the results came out. I was not really looking at my phone, but then when I switched it on, I had a text from my mother going congratulations! I was feeling very lucky and very determined to get into the course and make the most out of it. If you do end up going to a course like this, it will enrich your understanding so much.

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How did you react when you found out that you had been granted a scholarship?

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Upon learning that I had been granted the scholarship, happiness washed over me. Anticipating the course with excitement, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of accomplishment. The realisation that my efforts had been acknowledged fueled my enthusiasm for the upcoming opportunities in the medical summer program. This moment not only validated my commitment but also heightened my anticipation for the enriching experiences that awaited”

The first step is to choose a question that resonates with you

How did you decide which essay question to answer?

Participating in the Immerse residential program was nothing short of transformative – easily the best two weeks of my life. The program provided not just an academic experience but a platform to forge international connections and lifelong friendships. Engaging in the immersive learning environment, especially the medicine-focused sessions, was intellectually stimulating. The diverse perspectives from fellow participants added depth to my understanding of the field.

Beyond the classroom, the program organised remarkable excursions, contributing to a holistic learning experience. Exploring new places and cultures alongside like-minded peers created lasting memories. The emphasis on practical learning was exemplified through a personal project within a journal club, allowing me to apply my newfound knowledge in a real-world context.

Overall, the Immerse program not only enriched my understanding of medicine but also broadened my worldview. It was an incredible blend of education, cultural exchange, and personal growth that left an indelible mark on my academic journey.

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Farah created a network of likeminded peers

What were your favourite things about the programme?

“The memories created during the program are etched in my mind, from engaging academic discussions to the incredible excursions. The friendships forged with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds added a rich layer to the experience, creating a network that extends beyond the program itself.

The wealth of knowledge gained was invaluable, expanding my understanding of medicine and contributing to personal and academic growth. The overall experience was incredibly enriching, offering a holistic blend of education, cultural exchange and personal development.

The thoughtfully curated excursions were a highlight, providing a balance between academic pursuits and exploring new places. Every facet of the program contributed to an unforgettable experience, making it difficult to pinpoint a single favorite aspect. Immerse managed to create a comprehensive and enriching program that left a lasting impression on me.”

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A truly transformative experience

How do you think you have developed as a result of the Essay Competition and your time on the programme?

“The memories created during the program are etched in my mind, from engaging academic discussions to the incredible excursions. The friendships forged with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds added a rich layer to the experience, creating a network that extends beyond the program itself.

The wealth of knowledge gained was invaluable, expanding my understanding of medicine and contributing to personal and academic growth. The overall experience was incredibly enriching, offering a holistic blend of education, cultural exchange and personal development.

The thoughtfully curated excursions were a highlight, providing a balance between academic pursuits and exploring new places. Every facet of the program contributed to an unforgettable experience, making it difficult to pinpoint a single favorite aspect. Immerse managed to create a comprehensive and enriching program that left a lasting impression on me.”

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Are You Ready?

What would you say to someone who was thinking about entering the Immerse Education Essay Competition?

“I would encourage every student to submit an entry to the Immerse Education Essay Competition. Your submission is a testament to your hard work and determination. Don’t worry about the outcome – the process itself is enriching. Those who succeed will open doors for their future. It’s a free, beneficial opportunity that every student should embrace.”

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Farah has big goals to study in Cambridge

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

“In my future, I aspire to pursue a career in medicine and, specifically, aim to study at the University of Cambridge. The prospect of studying medicine at such a renowned institution not only aligns with my academic ambitions but also reflects my dedication to making meaningful contributions to healthcare. I am drawn to the comprehensive and rigorous medical program at Cambridge, envisioning it as the ideal environment to cultivate my passion for the field. My goal is to engage in cutting-edge research, contribute to advancements in healthcare, and ultimately play a role in improving patient well-being. Studying medicine at Cambridge represents a significant step towards realising these aspirations and making a lasting impact in the field.”

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