Tanika's story

"Coming from a Punjabi family that has worked tirelessly in the UK for generations, I was raised with the belief that education is the key to success. My great-grandmother dreamed of my grandfather becoming a doctor, and my grandfather passed that hope to his son. Now, I’m proud to be the first in my family to study medicine, turning their dreams into reality."

Ambitious. Enthusiastic. Determined. 

"Growing up in a working-class household, the path to becoming a doctor wasn’t straightforward. Without access to the same resources as some of my peers, I had to navigate the medical school application process largely on my own. It often felt overwhelming, but my family’s resilience kept me determined, and I achieved a place in medical school on my first attempt.

Since starting my degree in 2020, the University of Liverpool has been a place of incredible growth. While I initially struggled with imposter syndrome, the supportive community here has helped me thrive. A defining moment for me was achieving a distinction in a master’s degree between my third and fourth years - an achievement that once felt unattainable. My work as a Liverpool Advocate has also been pivotal, giving me opportunities to grow professionally through public speaking and networking.

Though I didn’t have a head start in medicine, the University has propelled me forward. I now aim to inspire others from similar backgrounds and am determined to pursue a career in surgery after medical school."