More than 5000 students from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences celebrated their graduation this July at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, marking years of hard work and resilience.
The ceremony began with a joint speech from Esme Evans and Pranav Pillay, graduates of the School of Dentistry. Both had completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees; "Doing a course like ours isn't just about mastering science, it's about learning empathy, resilience and humility; we've sat with our patients through fear, pain and vulnerability and in return, our patients have taught us to be better people" said the pair.
Lewis Trepasso, graduating with an MbChB with Honours from the School of Medicine addressed his fellow medical graduates about the realities and responsibilities of a medical career: "I've had the privilege to witness a child being born - their first breath, a new life, a new beginning, and I've stood in the quiet aftermath of a failed resuscitation attempt. That's not something to be taken lightly, it's a privilege".
From the Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Evolutionary Sciences, Anna Maxwell who completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVD) reflected on starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it shaped her student experience. Anna spoke about how the challenges faced helped forge stronger bonds between classmates and how this moment reminded her of the quote: "We didn't come this far to only come this far."
Hanson Offor who earned a Master of Science (MSc) in Diagnostic Radiography, encouraged his fellow graduates to be leaders and innovators in healthcare and to "Challenge the norm, look beyond the standard protocols so that we can ensure that each patient feels seen, heard and understood. “ Hanson added: "Wherever we find ourselves; in public hospital or private practice, research, academia or perhaps inventing the new MRI machine - that doesn’t sound like a pair of safety boots in a tumble drier, remember that our voice matters. We don’t need a big title to create change, we just need curiosity, courage - and maybe a strong cup of coffee."
Sophie Hockin, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences from the Institute of Molecular and Systems Biology, praised both the University and the City of Liverpool and described them as the setting of one of the most transformative periods in her and her classmates’ lives. "The study of biological sciences has opened our minds to the complexity and constant evolution of the world around us. Whether in labs, lectures or fieldwork, we've been challenged, inspired and helped to find our place in this dynamic and ever-changing field."
The Faculty of Health and Life sciences congratulates all our graduates in their achievements and wish them the very best of luck in their future careers.