Alayna Batson: starting out in medicine
Science is often considered one of the toughest subjects and a career in Science is likely to be highly demanding and challenging. Former student Alayna Batson, however, has made it all look easy. She has been extremely successful in her journey in the STEM world so far, getting into Hull York Medical School in Yorkshire, ‘one of the UK’s most exciting and contemporary medical schools’. She tells us all about the path she has taken after learning at Heathfield as well as some messages she would have given to her younger self.
Currently, Alayna is at Hull York Medical School, which is known for its exceptional medical education and world-leading research. She completed both her GCSEs and A Levels at Heathfield - most universities require Chemistry and Maths at A or above to study Medicine. While uncommon for most medics, Alayna tells us she took a gap year after A Levels since she was unsuccessful in her first application. However, she put her time to good use working as a healthcare assistant and in a local restaurant, which she said taught her a lot and ‘helped prepare for university’. It’s important to volunteer your services and get out of your comfort zone, as it can really be beneficial, making environments like university feel less daunting. Alayna is now in her fourth year of five studying Medicine MBBS and in her. 'I'm in my second clinical year where I spend Monday to Friday at a hospital or GP practice, ’ she explained. She says she really enjoys putting her knowledge and skills into practice, performing minor procedures and consulting patients as well as having the thrill of solving problems.
Alayna reflects on her time as a student at Heathfield, saying Maths was her favourite subject as the department was very 'friendly and supportive', which helped her persevere and progress. One prominent memory Alayna has of her time at Heathfield was Mr Messetter’s lessons where he would ‘jump around the classroom like a kangaroo’ to demonstrate the geological transportation process of saltation, as well as his spaced repetition revision graph, which she still uses today in medical school! She also tells us that her form tutor was very involved in her application process, and when things weren’t going to plan, she was offered the pastoral care she needed. It’s only during this stressful and pressurised time you come to truly appreciate the pastoral care at Heathfield, and I’m sure this really would have taken a weight off of Alayna’s shoulders.
When Alayna was asked what she would tell her younger self, she gave us a very emotive and thought-provoking response: ‘Many people are unsuccessful at different points in their life, you may think it is only you who is struggling right now but a bump in the road allows you to grow as a person and to learn how to cope during uncertainty.’ One of Alayna’s biggest regrets is not taking part in sports but she says it was easy to pick up new sports at university. She also tells us that if she could go back, she would ask her teachers for more support. She says it’s hard to reach out when you’re struggling, but teachers want to ‘build you up, not break you down’. She adds, ‘Don't be afraid to acknowledge your weaknesses, discuss feelings regarding them and learn to grow from your struggles.’ This is truly very powerful, and we’re all guilty of shutting off when we are faced with an emotional or physical problem.
Alayna says her proudest moment was achieving an AAA in her A levels, being in the top 3% of UKCAT scorers, as well as passing her driving test all in the same week! Alayna was most definitely focused and determined to reach her goals, which is something we should all aspire to. She takes pride in working through the tough times and is proud of getting to her fourth year of Medical School. Alayna has clearly shown perseverance and determination, embodying the Heathfield ideals of ambition!
Alice Cronin, Y11
Currently, Alayna is at Hull York Medical School, which is known for its exceptional medical education and world-leading research. She completed both her GCSEs and A Levels at Heathfield - most universities require Chemistry and Maths at A or above to study Medicine. While uncommon for most medics, Alayna tells us she took a gap year after A Levels since she was unsuccessful in her first application. However, she put her time to good use working as a healthcare assistant and in a local restaurant, which she said taught her a lot and ‘helped prepare for university’. It’s important to volunteer your services and get out of your comfort zone, as it can really be beneficial, making environments like university feel less daunting. Alayna is now in her fourth year of five studying Medicine MBBS and in her. 'I'm in my second clinical year where I spend Monday to Friday at a hospital or GP practice, ’ she explained. She says she really enjoys putting her knowledge and skills into practice, performing minor procedures and consulting patients as well as having the thrill of solving problems.
Alayna reflects on her time as a student at Heathfield, saying Maths was her favourite subject as the department was very 'friendly and supportive', which helped her persevere and progress. One prominent memory Alayna has of her time at Heathfield was Mr Messetter’s lessons where he would ‘jump around the classroom like a kangaroo’ to demonstrate the geological transportation process of saltation, as well as his spaced repetition revision graph, which she still uses today in medical school! She also tells us that her form tutor was very involved in her application process, and when things weren’t going to plan, she was offered the pastoral care she needed. It’s only during this stressful and pressurised time you come to truly appreciate the pastoral care at Heathfield, and I’m sure this really would have taken a weight off of Alayna’s shoulders.
When Alayna was asked what she would tell her younger self, she gave us a very emotive and thought-provoking response: ‘Many people are unsuccessful at different points in their life, you may think it is only you who is struggling right now but a bump in the road allows you to grow as a person and to learn how to cope during uncertainty.’ One of Alayna’s biggest regrets is not taking part in sports but she says it was easy to pick up new sports at university. She also tells us that if she could go back, she would ask her teachers for more support. She says it’s hard to reach out when you’re struggling, but teachers want to ‘build you up, not break you down’. She adds, ‘Don't be afraid to acknowledge your weaknesses, discuss feelings regarding them and learn to grow from your struggles.’ This is truly very powerful, and we’re all guilty of shutting off when we are faced with an emotional or physical problem.
Alayna says her proudest moment was achieving an AAA in her A levels, being in the top 3% of UKCAT scorers, as well as passing her driving test all in the same week! Alayna was most definitely focused and determined to reach her goals, which is something we should all aspire to. She takes pride in working through the tough times and is proud of getting to her fourth year of Medical School. Alayna has clearly shown perseverance and determination, embodying the Heathfield ideals of ambition!
Alice Cronin, Y11
