Tetiana thought she had her future mapped out. But when her original plan didn’t go as expected, support from her tutor helped her discover another route that was just as exciting.
When Tetiana started thinking about her future, she initially had her sights set on medicine.
It was a clear ambition, but as she began the process of applying, things didn’t go exactly to plan. After not achieving the result she had hoped for in the UCAT, Tetiana found herself having to reconsider her next step.
Rather than seeing this as the end of her plans, she began to explore what else might suit her.
Finding another route
A conversation with her tutor, Deborah Whittingham, helped Tetiana look at her options differently.
Through talking things through, Tetiana realised that what really appealed to her was the idea of working in laboratories, while still being able to contribute to saving lives.
“I would love to be in labs, but still saving lives.”
That realisation led her towards Biomedical Science.
For Tetiana, changing direction wasn’t about giving up on the future she wanted. It was about understanding herself better and finding another route that matched her interests.
Discovering more about herself at Itchen
Tetiana studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Itchen, achieving an A in Chemistry, an A in Maths and a B in Biology.
But her time at College gave her more than academic results.
Looking back, Tetiana says one of the things she is most proud of is becoming a more open person.
She credits the supportive people around her, including her teachers and close friends, with helping her throughout her time at College.
“There wasn’t really one particular moment,” she explains. “All my teachers and close friends were supportive throughout.”
That support gave Tetiana the confidence to keep exploring her options, even when her original plan changed.
A new future in Biomedical Science
Tetiana is now preparing to take her next step at the University of Southampton, where she will study Biomedical Science.
She’s looking forward to meeting new people, gaining new experiences and learning more about the field she has chosen to pursue.
Her journey shows that finding your future isn’t always about having one perfect plan from the beginning.
Sometimes, you discover what you want by exploring the options available to you – and being open to a different direction.
“Just go and explore”
Tetiana’s advice to anyone who hasn’t figured out exactly what they want to do yet is simple:
“Just go and explore.”
She encourages other students not to be afraid of trying new things, particularly if they haven’t yet found something they enjoy.
“You don’t have to already know what you want to do,” is the message behind her experience. Exploring different possibilities can be part of finding the right path.
Tetiana started out thinking her future would be in medicine. A change in circumstances encouraged her to look again, and that exploration helped her discover Biomedical Science – a route that combines her interest in laboratory work with her desire to make a difference.
Your first plan doesn’t have to be your final plan.
Explore your future at Itchen.
