A Wrexham student who once questioned whether a career in medicine was within her reach is preparing to begin her degree at the University of Manchester.
Martyna Julia Kaczmarek, 18, studied A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at Coleg Cambria’s Yale Sixth Form after leaving The Maelor School in Penley.
She will begin studying Medicine this autumn, with hopes of becoming a doctor and a particular interest in genetics.
Martyna said her confidence grew significantly during her two years at Cambria, where she received support with the highly competitive medical school application process.
“My confidence grew so much during my time there, and the support I received during the application process was more than I could’ve wished for,” she said.
She particularly thanked Olwen Kiff, whose medical background helped provide students with advice, guidance and opportunities to speak to current medical students through the college’s medical club.
Martyna added that one of her biggest challenges was learning to have confidence in her own abilities.
“The main obstacle I faced over the past two years was having confidence in myself,” she said.
“However, being surrounded by other students going through similar experiences made a huge difference.
“Because Coleg Cambria is such a large and diverse college, it was easy to find people with similar ambitions and interests, which made me feel supported and understood throughout the process.”
She also praised chemistry teacher Nora Richardson for challenging her in an encouraging way and helping to develop her curiosity and critical thinking.
Alongside her A Levels, Martyna took part in the Seren Programme and its Medic Programme, attended summer schools at Oxford and Cardiff, and represented Coleg Cambria as a student ambassador.
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She said the Medic Programme pushed her outside her comfort zone and played an important part in preparing her for a career in medicine.
“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunities I did through the Seren Programme,” she said.
“It was challenging and pushed me well outside of my comfort zone, but that was exactly what I needed to grow into a stronger medical applicant.”
Gareth Jones, Assistant Principal and Head of Yale Sixth, said securing a place on one of the country’s most competitive university courses was a “fantastic achievement”.
“Martyna has worked incredibly hard over the last two years and has grown enormously in confidence,” he said.
“She made the most of every opportunity available to her, both academically and through programmes such as Seren, and thoroughly deserves this success.
“We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and wish her every success as she begins the next chapter of her journey.”
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