15th August 2019
A determined St Brendan’s student, who didn’t let barriers and rejection hold her back, is today celebrating her A-level results and looks forward to starting her degree in Midwifery at the University of Hull next month; after years of hard work and dedication.
Maici Quirke
Maici Quirke, 18, joined St Bredan’s back in 2017, after completing her GCSEs at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, and enrolled onto a timetable of A-level Psychology, Applied Science and Health and Social Care, as well as completing an EPQ. From a family of 7 siblings, Maici had her sights set firmly on Midwifery from a young age and was determined to secure a place at university to study the degree; no mean feat for any A-level student.
Well known as one of the most competitive degree subjects in the country, students fresh from A-levels often find it challenging to secure a place and the majority of courses are predominantly filled with mature students. Determined not defy the stats, Maici worked hard to gain as much experience as possible to help her stand out from the very busy crowd.
“I contacted so many hospitals to see if they would accept me for work experience within their midwifery wards. I received two rejections but I kept trying and just spoke to everybody I knew to see if I could find a way in. It paid off in the end!”
With her work experience behind her, as well as a strong personal statement and armed with a plethora of research, the persistent teen was ready to take on the University interview. It proved rigorous and challenging, and Maici watched as some unsucessful interviewees were sent home at lunchtime. Bombarded with tough questions designed to uncover her motives and nature, it was Maici’s research and experiences which enabled her to shine. “So many people think Midwifery is all about babies, but it isn’t. It’s all about caring and assisting the Mother as she goes through the process. I understand this fully and I made sure I told them in the interview!”
After two years of hard work, today the successful teen celebrates. She graduates College with two Distinction*’s and a C in A-level Psychology and will be the first in her family to go to university. We look forward to following Maici’s journey as she steps confidently into the rewarding and demanding world of Midwifery.
