Why did you choose the University of Wollongong over other universities and specifically UOW Bega Valley?
To be honest I chose UOW Bega Valley because of the uni's high standards. It has been suggested to me by many previous students who graduated from UOW; they were so proud of it, so this makes me feel eager to study and finish a degree at this campus.
By having smaller classes, UOW Bega Valley has given me the opportunity to have friendships and to get good support from the services that are available on campus
What do you see as the advantages of being able to attend a University close to home?
Being able to study close to home means a lot to me, I don’t have to travel away from my family, also I can continue to work in the local hospital and be around my friends.
I like supporting my community, by being a Rural Fire Service volunteer, so I will not lose access to that and keep my skills up to date.
Why did you choose your particular degree?
My particular degree, nursing, fit with my passion for caring for people. I moved to Australia in 2016 and before this time, I was living in my mother country, Lebanon, where I used to be involved in community work such as volunteering as an ambulance driver. Working to help ill and injured people, being their first aider, motivated me to want to learn more about nursing. Unfortunately, in Lebanon I could not do further study as I was characterised as too old to start my study and get a degree.
Describe what you enjoy the most about being a student at UOW Bega Valley
The people on campus are all so friendly and we support each other, including my friends in class and our tutors who teach us. Also, fellow students and tutors from other subjects make us feel like a community – not to forget, the campus manager who is always smiling. Everyone on this campus is more than happy to help with whatever you want. In addition, we have access to Uni 24/7 which is an advantage for us to do extra study in a quiet place (especially with young kids at home!)
In three words, please describe your perceptions of UOW Bega Valley
Family, inspirational, motivating.
What are some of your career-related ambitions?
I’m not sure! Nursing has so many specialist fields, I look forward to getting more experience during my years of study to help me decide. I have experience working in the operating theatre, so becoming a specialist as an operating theatre nurse could be the place where I would like to be.
What prompted your return to tertiary education?
Coming to Australia and having the opportunity to study makes me feel that I am still young and yes, I can reach my goals in life and become a nurse. The nursing career opens up so many, diverse job opportunities and you can choose many different paths in the course of your career.
Any further comments you would like to add?
“العلم نور والجهل ظلام”
“Knowledge is light, ignorance is darkness”