Chiropractic Student Profile: Carla Miranda

Carla Miranda is a fourth year Master of Chiropractic student within the AECC School of Chiropractic at Health Sciences University. She studies on our Bournemouth campus. Carla tells us more about her experience of the course so far and what she enjoys about being part of the HSU community.

Deciding to Become a Chiropractor

“When I was sixteen, I had to do a work experience placement, and since my whole family works in healthcare, I had always wanted to have a career in that field too.

“My mum used to visit a chiropractor, and I would go with her to the appointments. She mentioned to the chiropractor that I was interested in becoming a physiotherapist. The chiropractor suggested that I look into chiropractic as well and see if it might be something I’d like to do.

“I spent a week doing work experience with that chiropractor, and that’s when everything changed. I realised that chiropractic was what I wanted to pursue instead of physiotherapy. Since that experience, I’ve been determined to follow this path.”

Being Able to Help Others

“I like being able to help others. Anything that I can do to help someone’s life to get even just a little bit better is amazing. I like being able to put all of my knowledge into helping and treating people.

“The first few years of this course were about putting my head down and studying. Coming into fourth year and doing my clinical placement feels like it all came together, and I’ve realised how important having that foundation of the first few years of studying were. It was a hard few years to get to this point, but it was worth it.”

Becoming a Social Butterfly

“Before coming to University, I was very shy and introverted. When I got to University, I feel like I came out of my shell.

“I did this by putting myself in situations that I found slightly daunting like joining societies and going to events. I said yes to a lot of things and didn’t hide myself away which was uncomfortable at first but was worth it. Obviously don’t push yourself too far!

“In your first couple of months, you meet people and they might not be the friends you are going to have forever but they also just might be.

“It’s about finding who your support system will be. You won’t find those people unless you step out and look for it.

“I joined the netball society which was all about having fun. They were a very welcoming society. I met my closest friends in netball.

“I was the social secretary for netball in my second year which meant that I was planning all the socials on Wednesdays, being a point of contact for the society members and being a friendly face on the team. I did this for two years.

“I feel like I’ve become quite a social butterfly now.”

Living in a Beach Town

“When I was younger, I lived by the beach at Essex. I used to wake up at the crack of dawn and go for a walk by the beach. I love being able to do this again now as I live close to Bournemouth beach. Every beach town is quite similar and there’s an aura of freeness and happiness here.”

Favourite Parts about Living in Bournemouth

“There are a lot of different cultures in Bournemouth and as someone who loves food, I can discover new dishes here.

“There are a range of things you can find in Bournemouth and Southbourne. I love all the little cafes in Southbourne.

“Outside of my studies, I like to have spontaneous plans and there are cool areas to explore nearby such as Swanage and the New Forest.”

Accommodation Options

“In my first year, I lived in halls which was a great way of meeting different people as I shared a kitchen so would get to know people there.

“I feel like I needed this year in halls to be by myself and to figure out what I was going to do and who I was as a person. I used that year for self-discovery.

“In my first year I made friends with some older girls through netball and I lived with them in year two. I am now a two-minute walk from university which I am very happy about and I am enjoying living with my friends.”

Making Friends At HSU

“I made friends with people three or four years above me because HSU is such a tight-knit community, and you often walk past the same people. When walking down the streets of Boscombe and Southbourne, you’d also bump into university friends.

“By joining societies, I was able to meet even more people, making friends with those from different years, and through them, I got to know their friends too.”

Highlights At HSU

“I think I have made the most memories during exam season which may sound a bit crazy!

“It’s the hardest time of the academic year but it’s the time I have found that I built the best relationships by supporting and being supported by the people around me. I love how we can all work together to get things done.

“Through the whole experience there have been so many memories that I have built here which I cherish very deeply.”

Proud to be a HSU Student

“I am proud to say that I studied here. It’s easy to find alumni who have also studied here and relate to them on their experience.

“Being a part of the community is great and I like the history of the university too.”

Support from the Tutors and Student Services

“I recently started speaking to Student Services and I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner. This was a big turning point for me. I realised there were other people that I can ask for help. I think Student Services are great. I thank them so much for all the help that they do.

“They put on writing cafes where I have also received a lot of support. I always tell people to go to them, especially when they have essays to write.

“With my personal support tutor, I would go to them if I had coursework questions. They would always try and help.”

Advice For Potential Students

“I would say to just enjoy it and take every day as it comes because time will fly.

“Say yes to opportunities that you might want to say no to. Don’t be afraid to say yes but also don’t be afraid to say no, it’s about finding that balance.

“Submerge yourself into the culture and love every moment of it.”

You can find out more about the Master of Chiropractic course here.