Sara Tisha

I have always wanted to study overseas to experience different cultures and broaden my career prospects. Since my older brother was already living in Australia, it became my first choice as well. I started researching about Australian universities and the University of Melbourne drew my attention as it is one of the top universities in the world. I also discovered Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) which provides guaranteed entry to the University of Melbourne.

When I started studying at TCFS, I was thinking of studying an engineering degree as I enjoyed physics and maths in high school. However, during the foundation program, I really enjoyed biology. I was fascinated to learn about how the human body works. I discovered my passion for human biology and health sciences.

I was not very sure what I wanted to study at university, but I checked the Melbourne Curriculum and was surprised by the flexibility the University of Melbourne offers. The flexibility and opportunity to explore different areas made me decide to study at the University of Melbourne. Eventually, I made my mind to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine. It was one of the best decisions in my academic journey.

During my first two years of undergrad, I had plans to go to medical school for my postgrad. But in my third year, I did an internship with the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre at the University of Melbourne and fell in love with biomedical research. I realised rather than becoming a doctor and treating patients, I enjoy working in a lab, learning about human diseases, what drives a particular disease, and how to cure them – that’s how I ended up doing an Honours with the Melbourne Medical School. My Honours research project focuses on molecular signalling of brain cancer.

I love the opportunity of choosing different breadth subjects outside of my area of expertise and comfort zone. It is a great opportunity to meet other students outside of my faculty.

I also love that the Bachelor of Biomedicine offered an internship as part of course credit.

I was very surprised to realise the amount of independent study I had to do outside university classes. It helped develop important soft skills such as time management and critical and independent thinking.

As I started my degree in the middle of the pandemic, practical learning was limited in the first two years. In my third year, I did capstone subjects which offered me practical learning and a chance to implement the theory I was learning. My Honours is filled with lab work, and I cannot stress enough how much I love it.

I am intending to get into a graduate research program at the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences upon completion of my Honours. Honours has provided me with necessary research skills and a fast-track pathway to get into graduate research courses.

Have an open mind and explore different opportunities.

Do not hesitate to try something just because it’s challenging or outside of your comfort zone.