Abigail one step closer to dream career
AN ASPIRING cardiac physiologist from Tylorstown is a step closer to her dream career after securing the grades to begin a degree in cardiac physiology at Leeds University.
Abigail Stinton, aged 18, achieved A levels in biology (A), chemistry (B) and maths (C) as well an A in the Welsh Baccalaureate and will now enrol on a three-year Bachelor of Science degree.
Someone who always loved biology and anatomy, the Coleg y Cymoedd learner thought her only option would be to pursue a lengthy medical degree and potentially become a surgeon.
However she credits her detour into the field of cardiology to a switched-on careers adviser who alerted her to an equally interesting, but less intensive, medical career option.
Having been made aware of this three-year route into cardiology, Abigail shifted her focus and became hooked on the idea of becoming a medical professional responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart conditions.
She sought out the specific UK universities offering this discipline and settled on Leeds, where she will take up a place in a few weeks’ time.
She explained: “For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved biology and anatomy but I thought this meant my only option would be to pursue a five-year medical degree, and then perhaps begin the gruelling route to becoming a surgeon.
“However, I had concerns about the length and intensity of training for that career path and I wasn’t sure it was the right choice for me. It was only by chance really that I had a conversation with a careers adviser who opened my eyes to the possibility of a career in cardiology, taking a normal degree route directly into the field.
“I am beyond grateful to that adviser because, even now, no one really knows that cardiac physiology is a separate medical discipline that’s less intensive, but just as important and interesting.”
Like many teens receiving their Alevel results this year, Abigail completed the bulk of her studies during the pandemic, meaning few face-toface classes.
In addition to her academic studies, she is also a talented musician who secured her Grade 8 piano during the pandemic - the preparation and lessons for which were also carried out on Zoom.
She continued: “The tutors at Coleg y Cymoedd were absolutely amazing and gave us the best resources possible. They went over and above to give us everything we needed at such a strange time.”
Meanwhile, three AS-level learners at Coleg y Cymoedd are celebrating an impressive 100% in all of their subjects.
Luc Jones, 21, Jacob Jones, 17, and Carys Lewis, 17, have all received straight A grades in their AS subjects, alongside an A* in their maths A-level, which they have completed one year early, ahead of them studying a further maths qualification at A2 alongside their remaining A -levels.
All three of the learners have their sights set on Oxbridge next year once they finish their time at college. Luc, who took a break from education due to illness, returned to college last year to do his AS-levels in maths, physics and chemistry and is hoping to head to Cambridge to study computer science. Carys and Jacob both have their hearts set on the University of Oxford to study degrees in chemistry and physics respectively.