Ezra Lu Xih Ann, from Malaysia, is studying the Master of Chiropractic degree at USW.

"I’m one of two children from a place called Happy Garden or Taman Gembira, a township near Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur. My elder sister is a pharmacist and my role model. My parents brought us up to have good hearts and care about people. I knew I wanted to help people but didn’t want to become a doctor so I chose chiropractic.

It was a big step coming to the UK to study, I had to work hard and get good grades. My parents could see how committed I was, so they were supportive of my decision – despite me being slight built and short, not the obvious choice for a chiropractor!

I did two years of Chiropractic study in Malaysia before I came to USW. The training here is different, more practical. It took a few weeks for me to adjust but I’m into my stride now!

I’m enjoying the chiropractic course and living in the UK. There are four other Malaysian students on the course, which has been great. In my second and third years, I got a part time job in Cardiff which was a great way to earn money and meet new people.

I’m enjoying my fourth year, I think it’s when I have learned the most! I particularly enjoy working in the clinic and with different types of clients. I haven’t decided which area I want to specialise in yet but I am interested in paediatrics and antenatal.

Studying Chiropractic has taught me a lot about myself. I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed working with people until now.

There is one moment that stands out for me: I have a client I have been seeing for a few months. The first time she came in, she had pain everywhere and was also suffering from anxiety and depression. I realised that she needed to talk, and I needed to listen as well as treat her back. It opened my eyes to the kind of practitioner I want to be. I want to treat the whole person, not just provide pain relief."