Page 57 - Future Leaders Magazine

OUR VISION IS TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE: JOIN US AT

King’s Colle ge London

HERE, TWO
James Frater
TOP STUDENTS

AT KING’S COLLEGE
James is Jamaican and in his second year of
studying Medicine at KCL. He’s the incoming
SHARE WHAT THEY
president of the ACS (African and Caribbean
THINK OF THE
Society), as well as an Amos Bursary Scholar,
UNIVERSITY... and WP champion.
If I wasn’t talking to you right now I’d be… Sending
emails organizing ACS events for next year, or I could be
playing Fifa!
The best thing about studying here at King’s is… They’re
always trying to be innovative, asking for feedback and trying
to do things in a better way. And I really appreciate the WP
department; I’ve had a chance to engage with them and they
work very hard.
The people I study with at King’s are… Di erent to
what I’ve ever experienced before. I appreciate that
di erence. That means I can teach people about myself and
learn about them.
On my course, I’m always learning… To be meticulous.
Especially when talking about balance within the body; detail
is really important.
The biggest myth about being black and going to a top
university is… You have to disassociate yourself with your
background to assimilate to your environment.
The truth is…Things like ACS have shown me that I can still
be myself and still have a place at King’s.
My proudest achievement is… Getting into medical
school. To see the look on my mum’s face when I actually did
was quite nice!
The most di cult thing I’ve ever done is… Ask for help. I’ve
44.1 per cent BME students. However, always been self-su cient. But I do see the bene ts, and I
we’re currently working hard to increase always encourage people if they need help to ask for it.
If I could go back ve years and meet my former self, I’d tell
the numbers of black students studying at them… In everything you do, do your best, work your hardest.
King’s. Meet two of them: James Frater and It is possible, even though sometimes you may doubt it.
Things may not always go your way, but you can’t learn unless
Sharon Akaka. you’re in di cult or uncomfortable circumstances. There are
going to be some struggles, but when life hands you lemons,
WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? add alcohol and make a cocktail!
If I could meet my future self, I’d expect them to be…
Find all our latest Widening Participation A doctor. Medicine’s my primary goal, but it’s not my only
opportunities at: www.kcl.ac.uk/wp goal, and I’d also want be in a position where I’m able to
Twitter: @kclwp continue to give back.

2017-18 | FUTURE LEADERS 55