The most rewarding aspect is when you can be with a couple in a way that enables them feel competent...
What made you want to study this degree? I love caring for people, so I studied nursing in Wollongong in 2010. I eventually wanted to make my way back to a rural area, as I am from the far South Coast of NSW. In order to get back there for work, I needed to upskill as much as possible. Midwifery is a big part of that. Being with women, caring for them during their pregnancy, labour, birth, and postnatal period is so special. And I wanted to be a part of that.
Why did you choose to study at UTS? I chose UTS because I had heard such good reviews of the course from people who had studied it before, but also from others who had studied other degrees there. It turned out to be a great university, as expected.
What is the most rewarding aspect of the course? The most rewarding aspect is when you can competently and confidently be with a woman and her partner in a way that enables them feel competent and independent parents, giving their baby the best start in life.
What are your plans for the future? This year I'll be moving down to Wollongong to live with my partner. I have a part-time new graduate position in Canberra. I'll spend half my weeks in either place, keeping my nursing skills in Wollongong and furthering my midwifery career in Canberra. Ideally, I'd like to study Child and Family Health and work with the maternal-foetal medicine team in Canberra eventually, but I'm happy to play it as it comes.
What advice would you give to future students? It's hard. But you can do it. Ask for help. Don't expect it to come to you. Take time for yourself every day, even if it's just a ten minute mindfulness meditation. It'll help. You can do it. Be nice to yourself.