Laura Jensen

I’m originally from Cairns and my mother is from the Gungganyji tribe in Yarrabah.

I only completed Year Ten at Woree State High School and I did not think University was an option for me. Everyone in the Indigenous Education and Research Centre was helpful and I found out there were other pathways to Uni, so I completed the Diploma of Higher Education (Health) to help me get into my degree.

I am now nearly halfway through studying the Bachelor of Nursing Science — Bachelor of Midwifery. Being a mature aged student was hard. I was out of practice with essays, exams and just studying in general.  I found what worked for me was the help of the Support Advisors at the Indigenous Education and Research Centre, and by just having a yarn with people there. I really like the Centre and knowing that I have somewhere to go, especially because I was shy when I started University. They are like a family, everyone supports and helps each other. I have already made so many friends, and the highlight so far has been ‘catching’ my first baby!

After I graduate, I want to head to a rural town and work in collaboration with other health professionals to help bring birthing back to rural and remote areas.

At times I found University to be hard but the accomplishments I completed along the way, like acing that one exam I was unsure about, or submitting an essay I thought I would never finish, make it worthwhile.