Honours Board Students on their goals, dreams, and accomplishments: Tamina Avrille Uduman

I am Tamina Avrille Uduman, a final year medical student in the class of '25 of Grodno State Medical University and becoming a doctor was a dream I shared with my dad, whom I loved and respected dearly, but sadly lost just over a year ago. He was and still is a driving force in my life. He has inspired me to keep working hard no matter how tough things may seem and no matter what obstacles may come my way. Although I am pursuing my dreams for myself, these achievements I dedicate to his memory.

If anyone had told me back when I was in secondary school, that I would be completing my MD degree in a state university in Belarus, I wouldn't have believed it, but here I am, drawing nearer to ending my 6th year of studies having learnt so much about not only medicine, but also about being independent, taking personal responsibility and overcoming difficult situations.

Over the course of my education here, I've actively taken part in educational Olympiads and competitions, scientific research, extracurricular activities like performing in cultural events and competing in different sports tournaments planned by the Sri Lankan Student Association of GRSMU. I can proudly say that there is not a lot I have missed out on and am grateful for the academic and extracurricular opportunities I was provided with that led to me having a wholesome university experience.

I'm first and foremost grateful to Almighty God, for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me- one of those blessings being my 'dada' and for everything I've accomplished in life because of Him- my successes and my lessons. I'm grateful to my family and friends back in my home country for being my support system throughout. I'm also really happy that I actually managed to make some genuine friends out here who became a second family that I'll always cherish.

I thank the Dean, the Vice Deans, and the administration of the Faculty of Foreign Students, as well as the former and current Rectors of the university for playing a major role in my education and setting the foundation for me as an aspiring doctor. Furthermore, I am grateful to all my professors who taught me, especially to those who believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. That last part is mainly directed to my Russian Language professor, Sentyabova Anastasia Vladimirovna, whom I will remember long after I've graduated- 'Спасибо Вам за всё. Я благодарю Вас не только за важные знания, но и за поддержку, понимание.'

Last but not least, I'm incredibly grateful to this city, Grodno- my home for the major part of my 20s! I have always felt safe and at peace in this beautiful region in Western Belarus. It was a pleasure experiencing every season and getting the chance to admire the beauty in each one of them all these years. I will fondly look back on the memories I have created here and miss my home here, dearly.

With that being said, I do look forward to moving on to the next exciting chapter of my life and I hope to be a successful medical doctor and make my father-daughter dream finally a reality with God's everlasting grace.