Sazib Bhuyian
I lived in Bangladesh until I was 14 when my family moved to Scotland. So I went to Primary School in Bangladesh where I obtained a scholarship and took part in lots of activities such as debating, school plays and singing. The first few years in a Bangladeshi Secondary School were also enjoyable, but I had to adapt quickly when I came to a Secondary School in Scotland. I learned English and soon acclimatised to my new environment becoming a prefect and vice captain of the school.
I did well academically gaining 7 Standard Grades and 5 Highers (4 A’s and 1 B). I applied and was accepted into a medical degree at the University of Dundee in 1997, but only a few months later I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (manic depression), which made studying a whole lot more challenging. I also worked periodically during my University career as a cleaner, a fish factory worker and a call centre operator.
I wasn’t able to finish my medical degree and in 2003 I transferred to do physiology at the University. But ill health also prevented me from completing this course. Despite these setbacks I recently enrolled with the Open University to study ‘Promoting Public Health’ as I still want to help people as a professional.
In 2004 I got married and our son was born in 2005. I am currently his primary carer as my wife is finishing her final year of medicine and I’m a self-employed landlord.
Think it through and go for it. If necessary, adapt and re-route, but follow your dreams.
Learning has made me realise I can do more and revealed the level of my resilience and although my medical condition has presented me with difficulties I still see learning as an opportunity and as a tool to do good in the world. I have gained a great deal from my experiences and will continue my journey.