
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Timi is studying for a Master’s degree in Chiropractic at AECC University College and is in her second year. He is also a student representative and student ambassador.
He tells us more about how his love of sports attracted him to chiropractic, his future plans, what his extracurricular roles involve, and why they are important to him:
“I grew up in Nigeria and my mother has always worked as a nurse. I came to the UK in 2012. I wanted to be a doctor initially; I even had a Chemistry program as a kid and loved it. When I got to levels A, I wasn’t quite getting the grades I needed in chemistry and I had to re-evaluate my plans.
“Fortunately I found chiropractic when I was looking at other health courses. I compete in the 100 and 200 m sprint and it was when I was in an athletics competition that I came across a chiropractic stand.
“Chiropractors offered massages and I was very interested in what they did. When I got home, I did some research and found AECC University College. ”
Choose to study at AECC University College
“I attended an open day and fell in love with the place. I was impressed by the local Chiropractic Clinic; during the last year of your study here, you are established in the clinic, which is a very unique opportunity.
“It was great to talk to the student ambassadors; they were so excited about the campus, the facilities and what it was like to study here. I loved that the campus was close to the beach and that the weather was so good!
“I thought there wasn’t a big black population in the south of England, but I met someone at the Open Day who was also black and that made me feel welcome.
“He assured me it was a nice, welcoming community and said people were really respectful of each other. That helped me decide to study here.
“When you graduate with a degree in Chiropractic, there is still a lot to learn, as in any healthcare profession. I would love to work with other chiropractors initially, as part of a clinic. I like the idea of working as a team and discussing cases.
“This is a great way to learn more about being a chiropractor. Once I have confidence, I would love to have my own clinic. ”
Extracurricular activities
“I am a student representative for sophomores and I have fortnightly meetings with the head of the chiropractic school, Phil Dewhurst. We discuss ways to improve the student experience.
“For example, if students do not understand how to approach an essay, we can raise it. We can ask module leaders to explain more concepts if students have difficulty understanding them. Students can send us private messages or post them to our Facebook group each year.
“Meetings are informal and you always feel listened to, which is great. We also hold regular meetings with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lesley Haig. It’s great to have these different channels. “
Love for sports
“I’ve always enjoyed running and playing football in my spare time and when I started school in Nottingham after moving to the UK, one of the PE teachers noticed it was fast. She recommended that I went to the Notts Athletics Club, which I did, I was assigned a coach and I started training in sprinting.
“I have always loved football and I am part of the football team at AECC University College. We haven’t been able to play or train because of Covid-19, but I hope we can get back to it soon. Last year we won consecutive trophies, so it has been very frustrating not being able to play.
“Before Covid, the different sports teams at AECC University College used to socialize together on a Wednesday evening. It was fantastic and everyone integrated into each other. During Covid, we kept in touch on WhatsApp and tried to do virtual activities to involve everyone.
“We keep talking to each other to register, but you really need the ball at your feet to be able to train.”
Student Ambassador
“I applied to be a student ambassador because I wanted people who looked like me to know that this occupation could be for them.
“It’s great to chat with people coming out of school or university, in grades 12 and 13. I like going to different schools and talking to students to explain to them the good level that AECC University College has.
“I want to help people of any color, any gender, any race get into chiropractic.”
You can find out more about the master’s course in chiropractic at AECC University College here.