Woman Who Left School at 15 Graduates as a Doctor at 41: ‘You can 100% do the crazy things you’ve always dreamed’

August 12, 2024 journo

Dr. Becs Bradford graduates from the University of Bristol at 41 – SWNS

A woman who dropped out of school at age 15 finally studied for her GED (known in the UK as GCSE)—and now has graduated as a doctor at 41.

She recalls being sick and tired of people telling her she couldn’t do things because she dropped out of school. Now, Dr. Becs Bradford officially holds a degree in Medicine from the University of Bristol.

“I don’t know if I’m just a little delusional, but I really believe that if your heart is in it, you can 100% do the crazy things you’ve always dreamed of.

“When I was young I was constantly told I would amount to nothing, that I was stupid.

“I wanted to prove that people like me do deserve good things, that they can get jobs that are fulfilling and well paid.”

Becs’ father fell from a ladder and was left paralyzed when Becs was just 12 years old, and the family lost their home. Soon, Becs ended up in foster care.

Despite this rocky start, Becs became a hard worker in various fields as a flight attendant, a personal trainer, and in sales. But she knew there was something else waiting for her, and when she realized she wanted to be a doctor, she said ‘everything just fell into place’.

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At 35, she bought the books needed to self-study for her high school math and science equivalencies and earned a place in a pre-med course to which she’d drive a six-hour round trip—all while working three jobs.

Becs aced the course but was devastated when she was rejected from all the universities she applied for—until she received an offer from the University of Bristol. Despite getting financial support from the University, she still taught gym classes seven days a week and worked 12-hour assistant nursing shifts on the weekends.

She would often get up at 4am to study, driven by her desire to help people. “I just had an inner knowing that this is what I’m meant to do with my life”.

Dr. Becs Bradford during her medical training – SWNS

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Now Dr. Bradford uses her life experiences to better understand patients, and mentors people from ‘non-traditional backgrounds like me’ to strive for their own success.

“I want to be a role model for people like me. I want to show them that you are worthy, and that it doesn’t matter where you come from—that it can be done. People along the way will say it can’t, but you have to ignore them.

Professor Tansy Jessop, Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at the University of Bristol, wants her to know her University is immensely proud of her.

“Becs has achieved so much, and so often against the odds. She is not only inspirational, but her story shows the transformative power of education.”

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“It feels quite surreal to be graduating after all these years! It really does feel like a dream come true.

“I’m proud of myself for never giving up along the way and I hope my journey can inspire others to follow their hearts in the same way.

“It doesn’t matter when you get there, never give up on yourself!”

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