Humans of GKT

<p class="font_8">Being a COVID-19 Fresher, I have found Medical School quite different in comparison to the older students! First year was pretty boring, with no fresher events, no online societies, no sports, and being stuck in ‘Zoom University’ wasn’t fun. Making friends was also hard, even in Residences. However, as soon as restrictions began easing up and we were able to socialise more, I found University to be a lot more fun and have been able to make really good mates!<br>
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My best piece of advice to freshers is to throw yourself into the GKT community, whether that is sports or different societies- it is a fantastic way to meet people within your year and older students who impart many a word of wisdom! For me, one of the best decisions was joining a sports team- I joined the GKT Hockey Club. You get to meet so many people and the older students and alumni are all very friendly. All clubs are welcoming of everyone, regardless of ability. You also get to meet people from other sports clubs in joint socials or seeing them at Wednesday Sports Nights at Guy’s Bar.<br>
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Studying your degree is important but it should not define who you are. If you want to feel part of a community and develop a camaraderie amongst the GKT Community, the easiest and best decision you can make is to get involved!</p>

Aqeel Mohamed

Year 2

1 Mar 2022

"Studying your degree is important but it should not define who you are. If you want to feel part of a community and develop a camaraderie amongst the GKT Community, the easiest and best decision you can make is to get involved!"

<p class="font_8">I remember the welfare talks in first year on the support available through the medical school and what to do if you’re struggling with your mental health. I sat in my chair in the Greenwood theatre thinking to myself that I wasn’t “the type of person” to develop a mental illness during medical school and need support (despite having had an eating disorder in my teens!).<br>
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I’m not proud to admit that but I think many of us share this feeling so it’s important to be honest about it.<br>
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If I have one regret in my life so far it’s not seeking help for my mental health sooner.<br>
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I thought it would be helpful to briefly share my story with depression and what I was experiencing (please don’t read on if this may be triggering for you right now).<br>
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For the first 6 months I just thought I was having a bad time. Medical school is stressful right? It’s no wonder I was feeling stressed and a bit low right? My attendance was still pretty good (despite some missed lectures due to the odd hangover and a general bit of laziness) and I was getting through the exams so I couldn’t really be struggling that much could I? My life was objectively great. I had great friends, a supportive boyfriend, loving parents, a safe and warm home, franco manca pizzas on demand and I was studying my dream degree.</p>
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<p class="font_8">So whoever you are, whatever type of person you are just remember that no one is immune from mental illness, but everyone deserves professional help and support if they’re suffering. So pick up that phone, make that appointment with your GP. What are you waiting for?</p>

Tash Binnie

Year 4

27 Feb 2022

"For the first 6 months I just thought I was having a bad time. Medical school is stressful right? It’s no wonder I was feeling stressed and a bit low right?"