Indigenous Education and Research Centre

University is not just for smart people. I never finished school. Math was not my cup of tea at all — and I finished with an Economics degree. It’s about the ‘why’ you are doing this that is the main driver that will take you the rest of the way.

The journey with JCU is just awesome. It is one of the best things that’s ever happened in my life. I really thought that I wasn’t good enough but actually going into university and getting the support that I did from JCU and the Indigenous Education and Research Centre has just done me wonders.

There are various pathway programs for students who may not have the prerequisites to study a Bachelor's degree. I started in the Tertiary Access Course (TAC), which gave me the foundational skills to be able to progress onto the Diploma of Health. From there, I transferred into the Bachelor of Nursing Science.

As a mature aged student, mother and wife, knowing that I needed a change in my career and starting over again was scary. I can say though, from my current vantage point as a third-year student, that I’m so grateful for that experience and proud of myself for making this choice.

I feel a lot more prepared to successfully undertake a research masters. I understand the processes, skills and techniques a lot better. It’s also good getting to know the supervisors and building that relationship and knowing that I’ve got a good support structure to be able to call back on when I need a hand.