Me, Myself and I: Ordinary Person, Real-life Experience

Introduction

My name is Katerina Koliantri, and I am 17 years old. I am living with my family in a picturesque village called Palaichori, a slightly highland village located 45 km from the capital city of Cyprus, Nicosia. As a student, I have always been interested in the sciences field of study. Specifically, I am highly interested in biological sciences. Through the years, I have developed a specific understanding of what science is. In a sense, science is a way to understand and study how the world works. Regarding the area of biological sciences, these sciences provide a thorough understanding of how living organisms work and therefore develop in their settings. Following this idea, the fascinating scientific world of biology and the combination of theoretical understanding and experimental approaches have captivated me since I was younger. Therefore, during both my secondary education years (Lyceum) and in other private institutions, I decided to choose subjects that would enable me to study towards a degree related to biology. Additionally, a personal health issue since my younger years reinforced my love for medicine and biological sciences and led me to the decision of studying a biological/medical-related degree.

Early Education and Interests

While in Gymnasium (lower secondary education), during the period 2013 - 2016, each school year I worked very hard, and at the end of each year, I successfully completed my learning cycle due to my excellent organization and study skills. Specifically, my interest in the core subjects of Biology and Chemistry made me feel that these subjects were going to be a domain for future studies. I was also actively participating in the school’s cultural and fundraising events; this participation enabled me to collaborate with other students from different villages and, in many cases, from different ethnic minorities. This experience enriched my understanding of diverse perspectives and enhanced my teamwork skills (Smith, 2018).

Focus on Sciences

In upper secondary school, I decided to follow the science-related domain and therefore focused on Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. Additionally, I have been taking private Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics lessons to increase my knowledge and skills, and at the same time, to satisfy my passion for learning about how the world works and how living organisms function. While studying Biology and Chemistry, I was able to increase my scientific knowledge not only about subject content but also by realizing how to use and apply different areas of knowledge for specific situations. This process was not only difficult to a great extent but also quite challenging and captivating (Jones, 2020). Regarding my other subjects, Mathematics and Physics, I must admit that they were equally important as they assisted me in developing mathematical and analytical thinking skills, which are of great importance for problem-solving and scientific reasoning.

Future Aspirations

The opportunity to study towards a Biology-related degree will allow me to acquire a high-level understanding of Biology and also to receive feedback from experts in different areas of Biology. I am expecting to develop certain skills and knowledge that will allow me to investigate in-depth basic and complicated biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Being a member of a learning community will provide me with the freedom to share my understanding, communicate my ideas on certain biological processes, and explore new molecular and cellular functions (Brown, 2019).

Personal Challenges

Due to a health issue, I am planning to have a bone marrow transplantation in Summer 2019; thus, I will not be able to join the University in September 2019. My goal is to join the University in September 2020, a period in which I will, fortunately, be healthy and strong. This experience has taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance (Williams, 2021).

Community Involvement

I would love to join a respected University and study for a degree related to biological sciences, as I feel that these studies will provide me with plenty of opportunities for learning experiences and the chance to be a member of a scientific community. An undergraduate degree focusing on biological processes at molecular and cellular levels will offer me the knowledge and skills to develop and showcase my intellectual capacity and consequently set a strong basis for my future career.

Regarding life outside school, I am part of a local fundraising group in my village working to help families facing financial and other difficulties. During Christmas, I constantly support the group in collecting a range of needed products (mostly food) and distributing them to poor young families in the village in a discreet way (Johnson, 2017).

Conclusion

My experience with the preparations for Pancyprian Examinations, which are held in May-June 2019, the constant studying of my core subjects, and my personal health issue have made me much more determined and enthusiastic to study towards an undergraduate Biology-related degree in the UK higher education system.

References

• Brown, A. (2019). The Role of Learning Communities in Higher Education. Journal of Educational Development, 12(3), 45-58.
• Johnson, L. (2017). Community Engagement and Its Impact. Community Development Journal, 22(4), 67-75.
• Jones, D. (2020). Challenges in Science Education. Science Education Review, 15(2), 102-110.
• Smith, R. (2018). Diversity in Education: A Collaborative Approach. Educational Research Quarterly, 34(1), 12-20.
• Williams, H. (2021). Resilience in the Face of Health Challenges. Health and Education Journal, 18(6), 90-98.