The Alumni Scholarship Award has provided this vet med student with the financial stability to pursue their dream at Nottingham. With the scholarship’s support, they are able to focus on their studies without the constant worry of finances.
It has made a huge difference in their ability to fully engage with the course, from hands-on animal care to developing their understanding through practical sessions.
What brought you to the university?
“I am grateful to be the recipient of the Alumni Scholarship Award. Although I was born in London, England, I consider myself Lithuanian through and through, having both my parents from Lithuania along with the rest of my family. I have two younger sisters, a loving mother, and a supporting father, all of which I thank for helping me reach my dreams of coming to the university to study veterinary medicine. Especially to my mum, who instead of going to bed after a long week of night shifts, sat by my side to open and celebrate my UCAS results, having been there for me throughout my journey.
“At A level I studied biology, chemistry, and psychology, subjects that pushed me constantly whilst allowing me to admire the complexity of topics within them. All of these subjects allowed me to make links to the course I knew I wanted to study. Whether organ systems and homeostasis in biology, breaking down medicine into its chemical components in chemistry, or even linking both chemistry and biology in psychology to gain a fuller understanding of different disorders to aid in their diagnosis. I feel my subjects couldn't have better prepared me for the course I chose to study.”
Why Nottingham?
“Choosing to study at Nottingham was a no-brainer for me. From the intricate support systems to the practical nature of the course, it seemed like I was going to be a veterinary medicine graduate from Nottingham or continuously reapply and wait until I was.
“My open day at the university, which was full of cold dark clouds and miserable rain, still couldn't deter me from getting into this school. The idea of being hands-on with the animals from day one was something that greatly enticed me. Knowing how especially hard of a course it is, being able to see the animals and knowing that by the end of my five years here, I will be able to help and protect them is what helps me push through.”
Farm and Equine Teaching Facility, Sutton Bonington campus
Favourite module
“Having been at the university for more than two months now, so far, we have been learning about the musculoskeletal systems surrounding the forelimb. This entails learning about the bones, muscles, and joints of the forelimb and how they each interconnect to allow the animal to move. The theory learnt in the lectures is then transferred to the practical sessions we have twice a week, allowing theory to be put to practice, as we palpate the teaching dog’s limbs or dissect a cadaver dog to inspect the muscles. All of this is priceless teaching time that allows the material we have learnt to be truly appreciated and absorbed.
This year I am most looking forward to my lambing AHEMS (Animal Handling Extra Mural Studies) in April. My close friend and I are going to visit a farm and help during lambing season, extending our studies beyond the course to gain other valuable skills.”
How the sponsorship has helped
“I am incredibly thankful for the support and generosity to be able to help me have the stability to become the first doctor in my family, easing my mind knowing that I won’t need to ask for any financial contributions from my parents (knowing that they are also struggling given the current situation of the country). I was over the moon when receiving the scholarship, especially as it’s pushing me into becoming a better vet, knowing that my career is something you believe in.”
