Question: How old were you when you decided you wanted to become a scientist or work in science??

Sarah Thomas answered on 16 Jun 2011:

Firstly, Chemistry and Biology were my favourite subjects in school. I had nice enthusiastic teachers and I really liked doing the experiments. My lab partner and I once SET FIRE to our desk during a distillation experiment by getting the distillate everywhere and mucking around with bunsen burners… turned out the distillate was flammable – oops! Playing with chemicals and fire, and things changing colour and fizzing and going BANG! I thought chemistry was really exciting!

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During my Advanced Highers (equivalent of A levels in England) we had to do a series of practicals for the course but my school didn’t have the necessary equipment. So the teacher arranged for us to go to Edinburgh University for 2 days to do the experiments and stay in student accommodation. After 2 days for running around a university laboratory in a white coat, and staying up all night with my friends in the student halls, I knew that I had to come to Edinburgh University and study chemistry!

I think it’s really important to just go with your heart when you are trying to decide what to do with your future, do the things that you enjoy, cos you’ll find it so much easier to study if you are passionate about the subject and you’ll stick with it throughout all the years at uni. Find your own inspiration and motivation and go for it!

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It was 7 and a half years ago that I made that decision (I was 17) and I couldn’t be happier. Cancer research is my dream career and I think I’m very lucky to have got to where I am today.