Mia Goddard (18) from Cardiff has won a place to study medicine at Cardiff University having achieved 4 A* at A Level in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and EPQ.

Cross country running for Wales and having represented her country internationally in Dublin and Stirling, Mia also represented Cardiff at swimming.  Used to hard work, she decided she wanted to become a doctor when working part-time at Cardiff market where she observed many mental health and family problems within her community.  

“I wanted to remain in Cardiff for university so that I could continue my running but also because I want to make a difference here in Wales.  I was at local comprehensive school in Cardiff until I finished my GCSEs but I knew to become a doctor I was going to have to achieve top grades.  I was very fortunate to win a 100% scholarship to Cardiff Sixth Form College and have had so many opportunities here and met so many interesting people as it attracts students from all around the world.”

Mia ran the Medical Ethics Society, attended medicine seminars and UKAT days and joined The Medic Portal for interview preparation all organised by the careers department at the College.

“The pace is much quicker here and we are very supported and treated like adults” she added.  “I have worked part-time since I was 14 years old so I am excited for the challenge of medical school.  In fact, my Saturday and Sunday jobs at the market, a haberdashery shop and most recently Marks and Spencer have given me lots of confidence”.

Said Gareth Collier, Principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College: “Mia has been a real leader at Cardiff Sixth Form College and has worked as part of a team encouraging others all the way through school and during the pandemic.  She works tremendously hard and has made a real success of her life but she also has real empathy for others.  She will make an outstanding doctor.”

As well as running four times a week, Mia is also a keen cyclist and member of the local gym and is looking forward to doing triathlons at university.  She is spending her summer working at a summer holiday camp.