My journey started in February 2015 when I conjured up enough courage to walk into CQUniversity’s Bundaberg campus. For me, the idea of becoming a Registered Nurse took a back seat as marriage, family and many children seemed to keep this dream at bay. With my youngest starting high school, I decided that this time was for me to find out how to reach the goal I had set out to achieve many years ago. Walking in, what a daunting experience that was, but as the amazing staff pointed me in the direction of the STEPS window, my life changed.
Until I walked onto the campus, I did not even know that the STEPS program existed. This is a great enabling program and without it I would not have been able to gain entry into university. I was introduced to the STEPS Administration Officer on my first meeting and was given directions on how to apply. Since then I haven’t looked back. Through my journey I was able to participate in the first Student Representative Council as I was nominated as the STEPS Student Representative. This has now come to a close and the role will be handed to a newly nominated student. One of the many highlights was that I was able to contribute as a student for students to gain a better experience whilst studying at CQUniversity.
On completion of my STEPS courses, I successfully gained entry into the Bachelor of Nursing - I was now an undergraduate student. Attending orientation was very exciting and provided an opportunity to meet our new lecturers and participate in group events, including the newly purchased Bubble Soccer. Orientation, I feel is a must for new students to gain an understanding of their future study aspirations and what lies ahead.
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Most epic game of bubble soccer on Bundy Campus for #CQUni #OWeek ⚽️ Photo by awesome student mentor Nick @nick.nijk #cqu #CQUni #cquniversity #soccer #bubble #hipster #awesome #fun #haha #repost @cquniversity
Now that I’m a Bachelor of Nursing student, one of the many things that I’m looking forward to is Clinical Placement. Essentially, going out into the field and gaining a greater understanding of a Nurse’s contribution in today’s society. This knowledge and experience will put me in good stead for the future.
I am loving my university journey and I hope you too will experience this feeling.
CQUniversity is hosting STEPS Information Sessions at a number of locations on Friday, 15 April. Visit www.cqu.edu.au/steps for further information.
