Thomas Griffin-Walker has always wanted to become a doctor.
And yesterday, the 22-year-old from New Deer enjoyed the right prescription for success when he received his undergraduate degree at Aberdeen University.
The youngster graduated in Biomedical sciences in preparation for starting his degree in medicine in September.
And although it is a long journey, he is convinced he can advance towards his dream after the lessons learned in the Granite City.
Mr Griffin-Walker said: “It was a very rewarding degree, although it was quite heavy going at times, but I learned an awful lot, and I really enjoyed doing my thesis.
“I have been wanting to do medicine since I was a child and now I am getting to do it, starting in September, so hopefully, I’ll be graduating again in five years’ time as a doctor.
“Doing this degree really gave me confirmation medicine was what I wanted to do.
“It also built my background knowledge a lot before going into medicine.”
While offering his advice to school leavers, the former Mintlaw Academy pupil explained it was important people investigated whether they wanted to pursue a medical career.
He said: “I think for school leavers, medicine is a long degree, it’s intense, and it definitely lays out a life plan.
“So it is important to take your time and make sure it is absolutely what you want to do.
“The degree I’ve done gives you a fantastic platform to go on and do medicine,In fact, I feel I have a great foundation to start my medicine degree.
“But, before I start that, I am going to be leaving home for the first time, so I am looking forward to that.
“My sister is going to start at RGU in September after seeing how much I have enjoyed my university experience.
“I am very excited to start studying medicine. It is something I have always felt I wanted to do and keep trying my best because the reward today has been so worth it.”