Confidence comes from doing hard things - Meet Cindy Mei, Class of 2020

What are you doing after graduating from St Margaret's Cindy?
I’m currently studying Medicine at the University of Otago, and I absolutely love it. It has been such an eye-opening experience, and I’ve really enjoyed learning not only about science and healthcare, but also about people, perspective, and the privilege of caring for others.

Outside of university, I enjoy volunteering as a mentor for younger women interested in health professions, and I’m also a peer supporter at the university, which has been incredibly rewarding. I also love exploring new cafés around Dunedin and spending time with friends. One of the nicest parts about moving down here has been how many SMC girls are also in Dunedin; there are always familiar faces around, which makes it feel like a little piece of home.

Is it what you expected to be doing when you left school?
Yes, to an extent. I knew when I left school that I wanted to pursue Medicine, but university has shown me how many unexpected opportunities exist within healthcare and beyond.

The more I learn, the more curious and excited I become about the future. I’m now interested in possibilities like research, surgery, or studying a conjoint PhD alongside medicine. University has definitely taught me that career paths are rarely linear, and that keeping an open mind can lead you to opportunities you never expected.

What has surprised you most about life after SMC?
One of the biggest things that surprised me was realising how much your environment shapes your confidence. Looking back, I think being surrounded by supportive teachers and ambitious young women at SMC made it feel okay to be ambitious.

Life after school has also taught me that nobody really has everything figured out, even though it can sometimes seem that way. A lot of growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and learning to adapt to new challenges. I’ve realised that confidence often comes after doing hard things, not before, and that has probably been one of the most valuable lessons so far.

Looking back, how did International Baccalaureate Diploma prepare you for your next steps?
The International Baccalaureate prepared me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. Beyond academics, it taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly, and approach problems from different perspectives.

The interdisciplinary nature of IB has actually been incredibly relevant in medicine. Whether in medical ethics discussions, professional development sessions, or research, I often find myself drawing on skills developed through IB and its broader emphasis on reflection and analysis. IB also helped me become a more independent and resilient learner, which made the transition into first-year Health Sciences much smoother.

What advice would you give to current students as they think about life beyond school?
You do not need to have everything figured out straight away. Your path will probably change and surprise you, and that’s completely okay. Some of the best opportunities come from being open to experiences you never originally planned for.

I also think it’s important to remember how much the people around you shape you. One of the most valuable things SMC gives you is the confidence to support and uplift other women, rather than compete with them. Be ambitious and back yourself, but always stay kind.