About me
Hi! My name is Sareena Aamir, a year 11 student aspiring to get into medicine. Outside of school, I have had an interest in art since I was six years old. To cultivate this interest further, I used to put in hours on the weekend drawing all that I could see.
But as I grew up, I developed a particular interest in Neurosurgery because the brain and all its works fascinated me. I wanted to be a doctor since I can remember, but I am just realising how much work and dedication it requires to become one. And that is where the RMBF comes into the equation!
How I heard about fundraising for RMBF
I attended the Medic Mentor’s “Get into Medicine conference” at the start of Year 10 and after that, I have been hooked to their weekly VMS and WRS meetings. One meeting, they announced that they are fundraising for the RMBF over the summer.
To be honest, this opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. I was drained following my Year 10 mocks. And after months of just going from school to home, I knew I had to make the most out of this opportunity. So, I signed up, and thought about ideas on how I can raise money and awareness of this charity.
The event
For how I fundraised, it was surprisingly a quick process, due to the positive feedback from people.
In the beginning, though, I decided to raise money by washing cars in the neighbourhood and selling lemonade. It worked but it was really tiring and I quickly became exhausted.
I had to think of a new idea…
So, I made a poster with information on the RMBF and then got the idea to start a Pakistani food stall in a house-letting agency I got permission from. This idea was suggested by my Mum. The owners are family friends, and they saw potential in my idea, so they decided to let me fundraise.
For the food, I made (with aid from my mum) foods like potato (aloo) samosas, shami kebabs, and chicken biryani.
Reflecting on this, it was quite popular because it appealed to young people like students and because it was an “innovative approach to raise awareness for the RMBF” as one medical student said. My stall quickly became a hit! This may have also been because I chose dishes that could fit a plethora of dietary requirements.
One worker from the office knew I could draw. She reached out to ask me if I could paint her sunflowers for her living room if she paid me. This was a first. I have never had anyone outside my family ask for a paid piece! You can see a photo of my painting below.
Why I fundraised
I chose to fundraise because it would be a great change, and I would meet a variety of people. I knew that opportunities may come my way – and I was right!
But also, I fundraised because it was all for a greater cause: helping the backbone of society, our doctors and medical students. Just being an aspiring medical student shows you how difficult it is to get into university, let alone the debts and the mental and physical struggle medics have to face.
This experience made me realise the beauty of empathy and compassion that medical professionals have to continue fighting for our nation’s people, and, in the process, neglect themselves. It also inspired me further to pursue a career in medicine.
So, what can you learn from this?
If you are struggling to find ideas on how to fundraise, look at what you are good at. For example, as I mentioned, I am particularly fond of art and cooking. Combine your ambitions in a way that appeals to young people.
In addition, talk to your teachers, friends, and family! You can gain good ideas and opportunities from anyone.
Don’t be shy and challenge yourself as you set on the path to fundraising. Remember the why and keep doing what you are doing! Your efforts will seriously help medics all around the UK. Imagine that!
Thank you Sareena – both the food and your paintings look incredible. The funds you raised will help doctors and medical students when they need it most – thank you.