Student Story: Haleemah Abdul-Razakq
Haleemah is the first in her family to attend University and is now in her third year studying Dentistry. Haleemah was awarded an Excellence Scholarship in recognition of her hard work and outstanding achievements.
My name is Haleemah, and I am in my third year studying Dentistry at Queen Mary University of London. My commute to campus takes two hours each way, but due to family commitments and the cost of living, this is the most affordable option.
The past three years have gone really well, and I am definitely enjoying my course. I get on really well with patients, and my tutors have been incredibly encouraging. I have just received my end-of-year exam results, and I am so proud of everything I have achieved so far.
I initially chose dentistry because I wanted a career path that would ensure I could continue to provide for my family, and dentistry seemed like a great option. Coming from a disadvantaged background has definitely had its challenges, but I am so proud to be at university, and I can’t wait to progress through the rest of my degree and deliver excellent care for my future patients.
I was actually the first student to go into dentistry from my sixth form in the last eighteen years, so I have continued to work closely with my former sixth form to make dentistry more accessible for students looking to go to university. My former teachers were very proactive in helping other students follow in my footsteps, and I have been helping to run exam preparation workshops and sessions on everything they need to apply to dentistry. I was navigating the process myself while also helping my peers, so it wasn’t easy, but I think it is so important to make students aware of all the opportunities available to them.
I chose to study at Queen Mary after receiving a very warm welcome at all stages of applying and interviewing. Everyone was so friendly, and I had only heard great things about the institution. I definitely made the right decision, and I am so proud to be a student at Queen Mary University of London.
When I found out I’d been awarded a scholarship for academic excellence, I was ecstatic. It’s so rewarding to have my hard work recognised. Covering my expenses has been a constant struggle, but I know I’m not alone in this. I work alongside my studies, often up to 30 hours a week, which is especially challenging during exam periods. This scholarship has truly been a lifeline, easing my financial burden so I can fully dedicate myself to my studies and career development.
Despite my challenging circumstances, I am really excited and hopeful for the future. I am particularly interested in exploring the various specialties within dentistry, and I am looking forward to gaining clinical experience in my fourth and fifth years while working on more complex cases.
I am profoundly grateful to all of the donors and staff who made the Academic Excellence Scholarship possible. Your generosity and support have been instrumental in my academic journey. Being recognised for achieving the highest grades in my year has significantly boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in the value of hard work and perseverance. This scholarship is not just a reward but a source of immense encouragement, and it has inspired me to aim even higher in my future endeavours.