In our final blog for 2016, Abdirahin tells us about his experience on the Biomedical Sciences stream of the Sutton Trust Summer School

When I first began applying for summer schools, I asked myself “Is it really as hard to get in as they say?”. I became accustomed to hearing “You won’t get in” or “Why are you applying there?”, but I persevered. Now here I am on the other side having applied, attended and benefited greatly from the very thing that many had told me I wouldn’t be able to attend, at no less than Imperial College London. I knew that at the end of summer school I would have gained important experiences and the knowledge necessary to becoming a successful university applicant and student, which is what motivated me.

I must admit that when I first heard of Imperial College London`s reputation I felt intimidated. However, upon starting at this summer school I realised that one of their biggest aims was to dispel any rumours which stood as a barrier to anyone applying to the University. I mean the amazing thing is that I threw every question and every doubt I had at them, yet they always gave a reassuring answer. The staff, the activities and the campus all fully cemented the idea that I must apply to Imperial College London in my head.

Upon arrival at the South Kensington campus we were welcomed by the staff and our mentors, who's enthusiasm allowed me to overcome my anxious thoughts, putting me at ease. We then met the different strand leaders who had both introduced themselves and gave us an insight into the jam packed week ahead. I must admit at first the timetable did seem quite hectic, however as the first day concluded and I lay upon my bed (which I must say was very comfortable) I immediately knew that this week would be one that I would cherish.

On our first evening together we had the pleasure of playing some "ice breaker games", wherein all the strands came together to play the most amazing games ever (one of which was the now infamous jellybean game). These evening activities carried on throughout the week. This surprised me as I had come to the summer school expecting it to be all work and no play, which is also a misconception many of us have about STEM subjects in general, but the staff made an effort to show us the social side of university as well as the academic side of it. Not only did this dismiss the idea that as a medical student I would not socialise with others on different courses, but it also allowed me to develop the crucial communicational skills I needed in order to live with other people.

The thing I will remember most about my time at the Imperial summer school is that they weren’t just throwing information at us and having us regurgitate it, but that they were showing us how to develop our skills. One of the academic sessions, Medical Microbiology, led by Dr Maria Serrano, included an activity where we had to investigate which bacteria could cause certain symptoms which allowed us to use our own skills and develop those we lacked. It was stimulating and challenging rather than boring and repetitive. We were allowed to use state-of-the-art equipment and encouraged to think for ourselves, which is an invaluable skill to have!

Finally, the most nerve-racking activity was the presentation. All throughout the week I was thinking of how I would approach it as I lacked the confidence. Nearing the final days, I believe the experiences changed me into the confident and optimistic person I am today, and it was with this confidence and the knowledge I was able to contribute to winning the competition!

I cannot express how thankful I am to the Sutton Trust as well as all the staff at Imperial College London who contributed to making this experience one that I will never forget. They truly created an environment which mirrors the life of a university student, demonstrating all its realities rather than a rose-tinted version of the truth. I look forward to becoming an alumnus at Imperial and am grateful to the Sutton Trust for giving me the opportunity to connect with them.