Hello :D ,

My name is Oluwanilo (Wani) Paula Awoloto. I was born and raised in North London and have wanted to be a doctor since the tender and impressionable age of 7. I was on track until my A levels didn’t go as well as I had anticipated.

I started Clinical Sciences BSc with the hope of transferring to Leeds to study medicine. Despite acquiring the grades required to transfer (two years in a row), very much to my dismay, I didn’t get an interview. Still yet, I persevered, and my resilience was strengthened. I applied again in the final year of my degree, however, I was unsuccessful after interview. Dejected but not broken, I picked myself up after 3 cycles of rejection and applied again. This time, with increased boldness and confidence, and armed with knowledge of the GMC and the NHS constitution, I came out victorious! I received an Unconditional offer to study medicine at the University of Leeds for September 2019!!!!







Financing medicine
Why I need the support?

Having already completed a degree I do not qualify for student finance for the academic fees associated with my medical course. To break it down for you, tuition fees are currently £9,250 per year. This adds up to £37,000 (the final year is covered by the NHS). From my first degree I am already £56,000 in debt (and counting – interest is added every month!)


I currently work as a teaching assistant in a primary school, as a health care assistant (HCA) for an agency and I am a private tutor. I am saving money towards my medical education but also realistically know that I can’t do this alone.

All this talk about money I think you should know why medicine? Why would I put myself through another 5 years (MINIMUM) of education and a ton of more debt?

Passion! For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to do medicine. I have always been a people person and have enjoyed science lessons about the human body. My desire to study medicine has been amplified through undertaking various work experiences and voluntary work in secondary care and my first degree (Clinical Sciences BSc), where I was able to have hands on experience learning about the different body systems and the effect of disease and medication. Through both my work and volunteering I have been amongst many vulnerable people. As a doctor I will be able to be an advocate for them in terms of their health and also for them as individuals. I will be training and learning for many many years, and unlike many people this really appeals to me #friendlynerd. I love acquiring new knowledge and using my expertise for the benefit of others.

 
What would you get out of supporting me?

You will have the lifelong pleasure of knowing that you helped someone follow their dreams. You get bragging rights; I will become that extended member of your family who’s a doctor! You get to help me help others, and possibly save lives. Every life I’ll save is a life you’ll save! Invest in me so I can invest in you, your friends, your family and your children. We all need doctors right?!

Final words

Looking back, I can say that I am truly blessed to have been on the application journey I have travelled on. The past rejections have made me more resilient, my passion has increased, I have matured and my character has been moulded. I have realised that I have the most encouraging, prayerful, faithful and supportive friends, family and colleagues of whom I am most grateful for. I know that all my cumulative experiences (degree and many jobs) will stand me in great stead to become an amazing doctor. I pray that my journey will be an inspiration for many others who too at first (and second and third time) do not succeed.

Any amount you can give is significant and will be appreciated. Thank YOU for supporting me to make my dream a reality!

All my love,

Wani xxx