1. What has been your journey since graduating from MacKillop?
After I graduated from MacKillop in 2013, I completed my senior secondary years at Guilford Young College. I then went on to do a Bachelor of Nursing degree based in Launceston. I moved away from home and lived on campus, which was a fun and exciting experience. University life surprised me—it was easier than I expected, probably because I was passionate about nursing and really dedicated myself to learning. I made life-long friends, enjoyed all aspects of university life, worked two part-time jobs, and had plenty of free time to discover who I was.
After graduating in 2018, I started working at Hobart Private Hospital, rotating through the Cardiac Ward and Medical palliative wards. I fell in love with the Medical ward and have worked there ever since! I even returned to University to complete a postgraduate degree in Acute Care. A few years into my career, I stepped into a leadership role and for the last 3 ½ years, I have been the Nurse Unit Manager of the Medical ward. I lead a team of over 25 staff and oversee a 30-bed unit. We work hard, but we also make time for fun with fun scrub days, special celebrations, and “buy day Fridays”! I truly love what I do.
2. Have you always wanted to pursue a career in this field?
Not at all! I dreamed of becoming a police officer when I was younger. But everything changed when my Nan was admitted to hospital. Being there for her during that time made me realise how special and important nurses are. It was a turning point where I could suddenly picture myself in the nursing profession.
At the end of Year 11, I wasn’t confident I would even pass. I had planned to move to Queensland to start fresh, but after caring for my Nan and seeing how meaningful that work was and with my best friend also planning to study nursing in Launceston—I decided to apply for nursing at the last minute. I was accepted, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
3. What advice would you give to current MacKillop students interested in pursuing this field?
Nursing is an incredible career. No two days are ever the same, which makes it exciting and challenging in the best way. You could find yourself working in so many different areas—like palliative care, children’s nursing, wound care, cardiac units, intensive care, surgery, or even teaching and management. There really is a place for everyone, depending on your strengths and interests.
Most importantly, nursing is incredibly rewarding. You are a part of people’s lives during some of their most vulnerable moments, and you have the chance to make a real difference. If you love helping others, enjoy learning, and want a job where you’ll never be bored, nursing might just be for you.
4. Do you have any favourite memories of your time at MacKillop?
One of my all-time favourite memories was our school trip to East Timor. I was lucky enough to be in the first group of students from MacKillop to travel there for 14 days. It was a life-changing experience that taught me so much about the world beyond our own.
We spent time teaching students, building connections, and learning about the Timorese culture. It opened my eyes to how others live and helped me understand the value of kindness, community, and cultural respect. It’s something I still carry with me to this day, especially in my nursing career.
5. What advice would you give to current students at MacKillop?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself—everything happens for a reason, and your journey might look different from others, and that’s okay! Study hard, be curious, and take opportunities when they come, but also remember to enjoy the fun moments at school and college. Your friends, the memories, and the laughs matter too.
And here’s something really important to remember: your ATAR score is not the be-all and end-all. If you don’t get the result you hoped for, there are still so many ways to get into university or reach your goals. There’s no one “right” path—just the one that’s right for you!
