Graduation 2023 student speakers: Ellie-Mae Smith

Posted on: 21 July 2023 by Sarah-Kate O'Hara in July 2023 posts

Ellie-Mae Smith graduated in July 2023 from the School of Health Sciences. She was asked to speak on behalf of her cohort at the graduation ceremony, which was held in the Philharmonic Hall. Here Ellie reflects on her time at Liverpool and her future plans.

Tell us a little bit about yourself...

My name is Ellie-Mae Smith and I am a 1st class graduate in BSc Diagnostic Radiography. I have a passion for netball and have played the sport regularly since I was 11 years old. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

As someone fortunate enough to have secured my graduate job at my dream hospital at Liverpool’s very own Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, I am lucky enough to say that my future career plans as a Paediatric Diagnostic Radiographer will be based here in Liverpool and I can continue to explore the opportunities and amazing things the city has to offer.

Future ambitions of mine are to grow in my profession into other areas of speciality, such as breast imaging or possibly branch into even further healthcare professions, such as becoming a Physician Associate.

Why did you pick the course that you studied?

I decided to study diagnostic radiography because I was passionate about working with the public and I knew that I wanted to make a difference. I have a bubbly personality and I believe I can empathise well with others. Studying radiography has allowed me to discover so much about healthcare, which I would never have known before. I did not know the course even existed until finding out about it at sixth form by chance. I am very lucky to say that I love my career choice and I can guarantee that all other radiographers would say the same.

What were the main highlights of your time at Liverpool?

I have absolutely loved studying at the University of Liverpool. I have made some of the most incredible best friends for life and living just round the corner from them all has been a dream. My captaincy of Wavertree Wanderers netball club and being a part of medic's netball club has allowed me to meet such amazing girls and experience the craziest socials and Athletic Union nights out. Being a part of a course that is so close knit has even made library days fun and having such supportive academic staff has allowed me to achieve so much more than just my degree. Featuring on radio shows, podcasts and presenting my dissertation at the UK Imaging and Oncology Conference were also some proud moments.

What are your plans for the future?

In September I will be starting my graduate job as a Paediatric Diagnostic Radiographer at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and that’s where my next adventure will begin.

What would you tell your first-year self if you could?

If I could write a letter to my first-year self, I would tell them to enjoy every moment, as although we started university in Covid, I was so lucky to still meet the most amazing people and have such a great year. I would say to make sure not to take any moment for granted as time at university goes fast. I would also tell them to take the pressure off themselves and believe in their ability, as we did it and achieved more than I ever thought I would.

Featured quote from Ellie’s graduation speech:

“As someone fortunate enough to have secured a graduate job at Liverpool’s very own Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, I am lucky enough to say that my future career plans as a Paediatric Diagnostic Radiographer will be based here and I can continue to explore the opportunities and amazing things Liverpool has to offer.”