Scholarship Winner Abhiram shares his story

Read Abhiram's story

Abhiram was overjoyed and filled with gratitude upon learning he had received the scholarship. This achievement brought him a deep sense of happiness and accomplishment. He quickly shared this wonderful news with his family and mentors, whose shared excitement and pride further heightened his sense of achievement.

Abhiram entered the Essay Competition in 2022

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

“I wanted to participate in the essay competition because it would allow me to gain the opportunity to participate in an Immerse programme which could deepen my knowledge of medicine and help me understand if I truly wanted to pursue a career in the field, which it confirmed. Additionally, it would significantly add to my resume and achievements list, increasing the number of possible prospected future endeavours I could partake in.”

Immerse offers resources to help the essay-writing process

How helpful did you find the support provided by Immerse for writing your essay?

“The essay writing guide was most helpful when planning and writing my essay as it helped me develop a checklist of characteristics my essay should have while also signifying the scope and scale of how detailed my writing should be. It also helped me refine my essay and ensure I had all the smaller important details present. The examples of previous essays also greatly improved my understanding of the type and quality of writing which was expected. The overall support from Immerse greatly improved the quality of my essay while helping me write it with less difficulty.”

Writing the essay didn't take very long due to Abhiram's extensive research.

Can you tell us about your essay-writing process?

“First I identified which question I wanted to respond to based on an important current world event and what I was personally interested in. Then I began to plan the points I wanted to express in my essay and the reasoning behind those points. This stage involved doing background research.

Then I formulated the main 3 ideas which would answer the question and support a thesis. I did more research to gain statistics and credible perspectives on the topic. Then I began to write which did not take very long as I planned my essay thoroughly.

Lastly I proofread my essay and checked it against the essay writing guide to ensure no important aspects were overlooked. Then I submitted my essay well before the deadline. The whole process took approximately three weeks.”

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

“When I found out that I had been granted the scholarship, I was absolutely thrilled and grateful. It was a moment of genuine joy and accomplishment for me. Receiving this scholarship not only validated my hard work and dedication but also opened up new opportunities for my academic and personal growth. I immediately shared the news with my family and mentors, and their excitement and pride added to the overall sense of fulfilment.

I’m truly thankful for the support and recognition that comes with this scholarship, and I was very eager to travel to Oxford University to make the most of the experience and learn to gain more knowledge and insightful perspectives.”

Abhiram had the opportunity to delve into the area of study he is passionate about

How did you find your experience on your residential Immerse programme?

“My experience with the residential Immerse program was truly transformative and enriching. Being part of the program provided me with a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment. The structured curriculum, coupled with hands-on experiences, allowed me to delve deep into my area of study and gain practical insights that extended beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Throughout the program, I had the chance to collaborate with peers from various backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. This diversity not only broadened my understanding of the subject matter but also enhanced my interpersonal and teamwork skills.

The scholarship program played a pivotal role in making this experience possible for me. It alleviated financial burdens and allowed me to fully focus on my academic pursuits. The sense of recognition and support that came with the scholarship was incredibly motivating, reinforcing my commitment to academic excellence.

On a personal level, the program challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, encouraging personal growth and self-discovery. Engaging with knowledgeable mentors and professionals further expanded my horizons, providing valuable mentorship and guidance

I definitely become a more knowledgeable person who grew immensely from the Immerse residential programme.”

Abhiram gained clarity on his educational pathway due to the programme.

What were your favourite things about the programme?

“My favourite aspects of the programme were, learning more about medicine and using the experience to confirm that I did want to pursue a career as a doctor. I also really enjoyed all the activities we participated in as they helped me make lifelong friends from various places around the world”

Abhiram was exposed to diverse perspectives

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

“Participating in the Essay Competition and being a part of the program have been instrumental in my personal and intellectual development. Through the process of researching and writing for the competition, I honed my critical thinking and analytical skills.

During my time on the program, I experienced a significant evolution in my approach to education. The immersive and collaborative nature of the program encouraged me to move beyond traditional learning boundaries. Engaging in discussions, group projects, and hands-on activities broadened my understanding of the subjects in ways that textbooks couldn’t.

The exposure to diverse perspectives, both from fellow participants and experienced mentors, challenged my preconceived notions and fostered a more open-minded approach to learning. The program emphasized the importance of practical application and real-world problem-solving, shifting my perspective on education from a purely theoretical pursuit to a dynamic and interactive process.

Moreover, the program instilled in me a sense of resilience and adaptability. Navigating through challenging academic tasks and collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds enhanced my ability to thrive in diverse learning environments.”

Are You Ready?

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

“I would highly encourage you to seize the opportunity and participate in the Immerse Education Essay Competition. It’s not just a chance to showcase your academic prowess but also a platform to engage with thought-provoking topics and stretch your intellectual boundaries.

Entering the competition opens doors to a community of like-minded individuals and seasoned professionals. The process of researching, articulating your ideas, and presenting them in an essay format is a valuable skill set that goes beyond the competition itself.

The competition provides a unique avenue to explore subjects of interest in-depth, allowing you to delve into areas that may not be covered in your regular academic curriculum. The experience is not just about winning; it’s about the journey of self-discovery, intellectual growth, and the satisfaction of contributing your unique perspective to a broader conversation.”

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