Before April 2023, I had as pleasant a life as any young woman. I graduated from the University of Khartoum and proceeded to tutor in my university and work as a pharmacist in the top specialised paediatric hospital in Sudan. I have a dream to become a lead scientist in drug discovery for rare diseases and make efficacious affordable drugs available for children and adults in my country.
However, the traumatic events of the Sudanese humanitarian crisis changed the trajectory of my life. My family and I lost everything – our house, our possessions, our sense of security. Amidst days without water and electricity, facing the constant threat of bullets, the dream of continuing my education and my career appeared unachievable.
But after months of displacement, I received a life-changing letter from Oxford, offering me a place at Balliol for the MSc in Pharmacology. It was the brightest day after a period of darkness.
Now that I’m at Oxford I am delving into the forefront of pharmacological advancements. My degree extends across various modules in pharmacology, encompassing the intricacies of cell signalling, cardio pharmacology, neuropharmacology, neuropsychopharmacology, and drug discovery, providing an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge research in the field.
Being part of Balliol has been an enriching experience. Living and working in an environment that actively encourages and celebrates diversity has been a transformative aspect of my time here. One of my favourite aspects of College life is the shift in my perspectives on relationships. It goes beyond mere coexistence; there's a dynamic interaction among individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences. It is this commitment to inclusivity and the sense of community that makes Balliol a truly special place for me.
The vibrant and intellectually challenging environment at Oxford has strengthened my desire to pursue my interest in pharmacology of rare diseases and to become a leading scientist in Sudan. I aspire to be an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in scientific research, contributing to the dismantling of barriers that hinder the participation of women in STEM.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported my scholarship and given me a life-changing opportunity that extends far beyond academia. This scholarship has not merely funded my education; it has altered my life, opening doors for me to pursue ambitions that I once believed unattainable.
Tibyan Babiker (2023, MSc Pharmacology)
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