Love and a cold climate combined with joyous celebrations at Aberdeen University yesterday.
Five years of studying came to a positive climax for Hannah Love from Shetland, who graduated with a degree in medicine after committing herself to that ambition for all of 13 years.
The 23-year-old said: “I’ve been dreaming about doing medicine since I was 10 years old, and it all started because my next-door neighbour was a retired GP. He really inspired me to do the same and, since then, there have been a lot of different experiences.
“It’s all very exciting and I cannot believe how fast the five years have flown past. It’s been a wonderful time and now, reaching the end and looking back, you appreciate all the great things that have happened.
“I think at this point you are also ready for the next stage and to start working.
“After living in Shetland, Aberdeen has been a change but I have loved it. It’s not too big, but I definitely still enjoy going home every now and again and enjoy the break from city life.”
During her time at university, Miss Love also spent two months working abroad in a mission hospital, which she described as an eye-opening experience and made her fully appreciate the UK’s health care system.
She added: “I am the first in my family to graduate in medicine, which is very exciting and my parents have been very supportive.
“For instance, I went to Africa for two months to Malawi and they were totally behind me on that and saying: ‘go for it’.
“It was an incredible experience. I was based at a mission hospital there which was very eye opening.
“It was challenging and really made me appreciate the NHS.”
