Alumni Story Ishnoor

When Ishnoor arrived in Cambridge for the Immerse Medicine Academic Insights programme in 2024, it was her first time away from home. She had earned her place by winning a global essay competition and securing a full scholarship, an achievement that opened the door to what would become a defining academic experience. While she arrived excited by the academic focus, she was equally curious about what it would mean to live and study independently in a completely new environment.

The two-week programme quickly became more than an introduction to medicine. Immersed in academic discussions and surrounded by students from different cultures and backgrounds, Ishnoor found herself engaging with new ideas while building confidence in unfamiliar settings. Reflecting on the experience later, she described it as “the most well-spent two weeks of my academic journey,” emphasising that its impact extended far beyond academic content alone.

What stood out most was the balance between intellectual challenge and personal growth. “It wasn’t just about the academic rigor,” she explains, “it was also about the friendships, growth, and exposure to a world of ideas and cultures.” For Ishnoor, this combination helped her see learning as something deeply connected to community, dialogue and shared experience, rather than something confined to classrooms alone.

The programme also reinforced her belief in the power of communication and reflection. After returning home, she spoke to younger students about her journey, sharing how winning the scholarship had pushed her to believe in herself and take on new challenges. She also passed on practical advice, teaching them how to structure essays and “bring creativity into their writing skills” in a way that had helped her stand out in the competition.

Now studying Public Health at the University of Manchester, Ishnoor continues to build on the confidence and perspective she gained in Cambridge. Her academic focus has expanded towards understanding how social, structural and environmental factors shape wellbeing, alongside a strong commitment to equity and community impact. Looking back, she sees Immerse as a formative step, not only academically, but personally. It gave her the confidence to step beyond what felt familiar and trust in her ability to thrive in new spaces, a mindset that continues to shape her journey today.