Tamara Howe

I grew up on the Central Coast. Any memory of my childhood can be encapsulated by hot summer days under the beach umbrella and running in and out of the ocean. As a child I was heavily involved in sports, and I was lucky to travel a lot with my family. For high school I went to the local selective school  – I always loved school and sometimes wish I could go back!

I chose to pursue Midwifery because I wanted to help and support healthy women. I have always been infatuated with hospitals and the clinical setting. There is something about the sleek hallways and bright lights that have always made me excited to visit. Some of my happiest memories are visiting family members in hospital just after they’ve had a baby! As a passionate feminist, I could not think of a better profession than empowering incredible and strong women to bring life into the world. The job entails (mostly) happy and exciting times and the energy in the room when a baby is born is truly infectious.

I chose to study at UTS because it’s the leading university in Nursing and Midwifery studies*. I love the location as it’s right in the middle of Sydney’s CBD. Growing up on the coast I have always dreamed of coming into the busy and bustling city.

The shift from high school to university level work can be characterised through the independent learning style. Throughout my course I have developed my time management skills immensely. I have changed my writing style and my ability to plan has become more efficient. I have also matured both socially and professionally by dealing with academics and colleagues at clinical placement. These skills of professionalism will remain with me forever.

The most rewarding part of the midwifery degree is when the women you’ve helped express their gratitude and seeing them come so far is truly rewarding! The clinical placement requires us to follow women throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. These women become very familiar and special as you get to know them over an extended period of time. Their reaction when you are able to attend their birth to support them is indescribable. Often, they are so glad you’re there and they don’t know how they would’ve been able to do it without you.

Professionally, my goals are to work towards Midwifery education both in the clinical setting and through academia. I hope to earn a full-time position with NSW Health next year as a Registered Midwife. I would also like to enhance my skills by working at a large tertiary centre. Additionally, I would love to complete an honours project and advance my studies with a PhD!

As a Midwifery student, my best advice is when you’re out on clinical placement, be a sponge. Trust yourself in first year and trust your instinct and ability to do well. It may seem overwhelming and unachievable at the time, but as you progress through your degree everything will fall into place and your knowledge will be consolidated. Remember to absorb everything from clinical placement whether it’s good or bad. Then choose the way you want to practice what you have seen and formulate the best version of the Midwife that you want to be. Some days will be tough but take it in your stride. Give yourself a pat on the back from time to time and keep going through that crazy journey of midwifery!

* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020

Find out more about the Bachelor of Midwifery at UTS