Shantae Rayat: My Clearing Journey

In life you face many obstacles and challenges, the path you decide to take is your decision and no one else’s. You can either face the challenge head strong or let it become your weakness. Personally, any difficult decision I have faced in my life I used it as my strength to overcome the challenge. Sadly, I didn’t achieve the A Level results that I wanted, I was truly distraught and thought that would be the end of my dream career within Chemistry…

However, my passion and love for Chemistry outweighed a change in career. I decided to not give up and researched a wide range of Chemistry courses across the UK, and before my eyes I came across the MChem Forensic Chemistry course at the University of Lincoln during Clearing. All of that uncertainty I felt had disappeared, right before my eyes I found my perfect course, which not only included a masters but also the opportunity to do a year in industry. I realised that positive thoughts help keep you afloat and to not let negative actions weigh me down, because sometimes in life there is a better opportunity awaiting for you even if you don’t realise it at the time.

I managed to successfully graduate from the University of Lincoln with a first class honours MCHEM Forensic Chemistry degree with a year in industry. I proved to myself that I am capable of studying and pursing a career within Chemistry; and that A Level grades are a stepping stone for you to go on and study what you desire. A Level results don’t define who you are, what you are capable of or whether you will be able to get into your dream role! There is always a path for you to get to where you want to be and if that means it takes you longer never be afraid to take that risk, because in reality you’ll be flourished with happiness and would have achieved your goals.

If I could rewind the clock to when I received my A Levels I would tell my former self to not worry, believe and use my determination to my advantage to achieve my dream career. Fast forward to now, I am working for a Global Pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca, as a CMC Regulatory Affairs Associate. Dreams really do come true if you believe.

Here are a few inspirational quotes that have helped me overcome obstacles and challenges I have faced the years:

– ‘’ You deserve it don’t let anything hold you back’’

– ‘’The comeback is always stronger than the setback’’

– ‘’Sometimes when things are falling apart they’re actually falling into place’’

Read more about Shantae in her success story post.