Erin Jensen, Halcyon Graduate

We had the pleasure of catching up with Halcyon alum, Erin Jensen, Class of 2018, who has pursued a career in medicine - Halcyon’s first medical doctor! Erin shares her journey from Halcyon to medical school, reflecting on the key moments, challenges, and successes that shaped her path. From her time spent in the classroom to the valuable support from teachers and peers, she offers insights into how her Halcyon experience provided the foundation for her burgeoning career as a junior doctor. Whether you're interested in medicine or simply curious about the alum experience, her story is both inspiring and practical for anyone considering a similar path.

1. Can you share some memorable experiences from your time at Halcyon?

I really enjoyed discovery week, going with my class to Outward Bounds in Wales. I also have fond memories of graduation and spending time in the hub with my friends.

2. What were you most proud of and how does it continue to impact you today?

I was most proud of completing the IB and achieving a score well above my expectations. The skills I learnt in the IB helped me throughout university, and now in my job in the NHS.

3. At university, what did you study and where?

I studied Medicine at the University of Liverpool, with an intercalated degree at the University of Edinburgh in Global Health Policy.

4. What initially sparked your interest in medicine during your time at Halcyon, were there any specific classes, teachers or experiences at Halcyon that influenced your decision to pursue medicine?

I was not always dead-set on studying medicine, but spending time at Halcyon helped me gain the confidence and skills to try applying to medical school. Biology class helped to developed my interest, and my teachers Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Jones and Mr. T played a large role in this. During my Biology IA I remember feeling truly intrigued by human biology.

5. Did you have any mentors or peers at Halcyon who supported your journey into medicine? How did they help you?

My peers were very supportive of my decision to apply for medicine, and they helped motivate me to study for the entrance exams and do interview prep. Mr. T massively helped to motivate me and my peers in Chemistry and Biology class to grow our interest in science. Ms. Jenkins introduced me to one of her former students, who was studying medicine, so that I could ask questions about what medicine would be like.

6. What were some of the challenges you faced while preparing for a career in medicine during your time at Halcyon, and how did you overcome them?

Preparing for entrance exams and interviews was difficult, it was extra pressure whilst already juggling the demands of the IB Diploma. Focusing on jumping through one hoop at a time made it manageable, and I made sure to be proud of each stage I passed as it gave me confidence in the possibility of succeeding.

7. How did your education and experiences at Halcyon prepare you for medical school and your career in medicine?

Halcyon helped me to develop a strong work ethic whilst in an environment that I found very nurturing and supportive. Having a lot of freedom to explore my own ideas and manage my own time helped prepare me for university life. I learned skills during the IB, such as being reflective and a well-rounded learner, which are still relevant in my job today.

8. Can you share some highlights from your medical school experience?

University is an incredible experience, and Liverpool was an amazing city to live in. Liverpool is a great city for university, it's quite a cheap city so you can afford to go out and have fun. A highlight of my medical school experience was doing an intercalated degree in Edinburgh. Whilst it meant being in university for 6 years instead of 5, I was able to experience living in another city, and study a humanities style degree.

9. What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your journey to becoming a doctor?

It is a marathon, not a sprint. The idea of spending so long at university seems scary, but time flies by. Being a doctor is one of the most challenging but rewarding careers. Every day is different and filled with new learning opportunities.

10. What advice would you give to current Halcyon students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine?

Get some work experience, ask anyone you know who works in a hospital/GP and shadow them. It can be scary at first being in a hospital setting, but the only way to know if it is something you could enjoy is by giving it a go. I hated being in hospital at first, but overtime I grew more comfortable with it, so even if you don’t like it on your first day, give some work experience a go and see if there are elements you enjoy. If you have any idea that you might enjoy medicine, then just try applying. I was never 100% sure that it was the right career choice for me, but I found it interesting so thought why not give it a go. It is easy to be put off by the lengthy application process, but it is better to give it a go than regret not doing so in the future.