School & Program: Direct-entry Medicine, University College Dublin
Born: Cork, Republic of Ireland
Meadowridge Student Since: Grade 3
House: Fraser

Tell us about your time at Meadowridge. 

When I joined the school, I felt very welcomed. I remember thinking it reminded me of Hogwarts! The teachers were nice, and so were the students, and I felt comfortable right away. During my time here, I've been active on the volleyball team, which has helped me become more communicative. I am quiet, but being at a small school helped me feel more comfortable and get to know everyone on a more profound and closer level. It also helped me in my classes.

What’s it like being a student at Meadowridge? 

Everyone is welcoming and open-minded. The school does an excellent job of living our Mission, and it feels like a community instead of just a school. Learning and practicing the IB Learner Profile from a young age encourages us to be open-minded and caring. For instance, I still remember my first day of Grade 3 being toured around by one of the older students. I thought how nice it was to have that and feel so welcomed. Everyone went out of their way to check in on me.

What will you always remember from your time here?

The camping trips. I'll remember Rockridge in Grade 7 and Loon Lake in Grades 11 and 12. At Loon Lake, we'd go to the field every evening and play volleyball—something we didn't have to do but naturally wanted to. Throughout the years, these trips bring everyone together in such a nice way.

Tell us about an experience that shaped you.

I think growing out of some of the not-so-great parts of Grade 8. After that year, we became much more open-minded and began working together. Now, we hang out as one large group instead of smaller groups where we mingle less. Everyone in our grade gets along.

Choosing a school and program is quite the journey—tell us yours.   

I was always confident I wanted to go to medical school. My family has always moved around, so going overseas for my education was always an option. In the United Kingdom, there are also accelerated medical programs. My inspiration to apply to medical school comes from various life experiences. In particular, I remember hearing the support my parents provided my family members. Though you can't treat your own family, my parents—both doctors—were able to provide guidance and help solve programs. That is something I always wanted to do.

What are you most looking forward to in the year ahead? In the future? 

I'm excited to be in a new place and have a fresh start. While some people are going to universities close to home, I'll be far away, starting from scratch, and I'm okay with that! Later on, I'm excited to see where I end up for my medical residency. I'm also looking forward to

travelling and seeing the rest of Europe. Spain is at the top of my list—my Spanish teacher has convinced me it's a good place to go!

What words of wisdom would you pass on to Meadowridge students? 

Find a balance between academics and your social relationships. You won't find happiness if you go too far in one direction. Studying is essential, but so is having a positive social life. Don't waste your time on TikTok, and let your studies take a backseat. Time management is critical! At the same time, don't just focus on your studies. Find balance.