Coursera: Find out how Christin combines on-campus and online learning to achieve her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon

We recently spent some time chatting with Christin, a Coursera learner based in Lebanon. Medicine is her life’s dream and passion, and she is currently a fourth-year medical student at Beirut Arab University. Her long-term goal is to become a neurosurgeon and neuroscience researcher. Coursera has become an important part of her learning and career journey, especially in the context of the pandemic, and we are grateful to her for sharing her insights with our community on the skills she learns and the role that the online learning plays into his professional growth. . She also has some great tips to share. Let’s meet Christine!

Christin, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. Let’s start at the beginning: how did you hear about Coursera?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw a list of online platforms offering online courses. I asked one of my university doctors about it and she strongly encouraged me to start my learning journey with Coursera.

How has the pandemic affected your approach to learning?

I just couldn’t tolerate the thought of staying home without being productive. Coursera was the perfect fit for my learning and knowledge needs.

You sound like a highly motivated learner!

I am always looking to improve myself and deepen my knowledge. I have an ideology that every day I have to become a better version of myself.

Your commitment and dedication is so inspiring, and we’re thrilled that you’re finding the right learning opportunities on Coursera. What are some of the courses you have taken so far?

I’ve taken tons of Coursera courses, including those on psychological first aid, patient safety, palliative care, personal branding, resume writing, neuroscience, anatomy, science of wellness and many more.

It’s quite a remarkable range. Apart from the personal development content, it is clear that you are also taking courses that match your career trajectory. Can you tell us a bit more about this?

Coursera has helped me deepen my knowledge through several important courses that are extremely impactful and useful for my career, especially for topics that are not usually taught in the university curriculum.

You use Coursera as an opportunity to complete your university education, in ways specifically tailored to your career goals, right?

Yes. For example, as a medical student, we do not receive information on palliative care. So I was extremely happy to see that Coursera offered a specialization on this topic!

Considering all you have already accomplished, what do you think of your journey so far and the opportunities that lie ahead?

I have faced many challenges and obstacles since I was a child. But I never gave in to those challenges and worked hard to become the woman I am now. My dream is to be a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, and I look forward to achieving it.

We are confident that you will achieve your goals! As someone who has encountered challenges along the way and been so proactive in acquiring new skills and knowledge, do you have any advice for other learners who are working towards their goals?

I think it is extremely important for you to continue to seek knowledge. Keep striving to grow and learn new things every day, and don’t limit yourself to taking courses only related to your field. I encourage you to continue and learn a variety of subjects.

Spoken like a true lifelong learner!

~

Thank you, Christin, for sharing your journey, and congratulations on all your accomplishments. We look forward to more updates on what you will achieve next!