Meet Monika, a passionate Bachelor of Science student whose career path was inspired by her hardworking registered nurse mother. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for healthcare and a strong motivation to pursue a career in the field.
In 2019, just before the pandemic, Monika entered nursing directly after high school as she was eager to get involved in campus life and begin working on her dream. Throughout her studies, Monika found the practical aspects of nursing, particularly the placements, to be the most fulfilling. She particularly relished her work with patients in theatre and holds this space as a potential future profession. The concept of acuity, which signifies the severity of a patient’s condition, is a vital aspect of theatre nursing that both intrigues and challenges Monika, yet she finds it immensely rewarding.
Balancing placements with assessments was a significant challenge for Monika, requiring her to manage her time effectively. With nursing placements demanding 40 hours a week, maintaining a work-life balance and meeting assessment deadlines became particularly challenging. Her advice to others facing similar challenges is to start assignments early and seek support when needed. She cherishes the close-knit group of friends she made in her nursing cohort, who shared late-night study sessions and coffee runs, providing a support system during tough times.
Despite the demanding nature of her degree, Monika is a natural-born overachiever and has spent a lot of time giving back to the community through Curtin Volunteers (CV). Although initially signing up as a way to involve herself with campus life, she unexpectedly discovered Curtin Extra, which gave her the possibility of earning recognition for her work.
Curtin Extra encompasses diverse programs beyond CV, including Mentoring, scholarships, and leadership groups, offering students like Monika a chance to create lasting memories and friendships outside study whilst gaining tangible certificates and badges to increase your employability.
Monika’s involvement in Curtin Extra, particularly in Curtin Volunteers (CV), has been instrumental in shaping her university experience. Starting with CV in 2021, she quickly became a CV leader, working on various projects such as the Cyril Jackson program, which involved teaching uni-ready skills to ESL and mature-aged students. She later took on a senior leadership role, focusing on improving the CV experience for all volunteers. Focusing on researching, evaluating, and defining the John Curtin Weekend. Monika managed eight sites and leaders, with responsibilities including planning, logistics, training, organising supplies, and conducting post-trip meetings for feedback.
Although finding herself hooked on gaining more certificates and badges, Curtin Extra was always something bigger to Monika. It was pure character development, a space to give back to the community, and have unique experiences outside of the classroom. It not only provided her with skills and experiences but also enriched her social life and contributed to her personal growth.
Monika’s advice to students considering getting involved in Curtin Extra is to align their goals with their values and long-term aspirations. She emphasises the importance of understanding one’s time constraints and suggests exploring opportunities within their degree to enhance their skills and experiences. She believes that by asking the right questions and guiding students, they can find meaningful ways to contribute to their personal and professional development.
Looking ahead, Monika is working as a registered nurse at a GP clinic while pursuing her goal of entering medical school. She views surgery as a potential interest but remains open to exploring other specialties and believes after the required 1000 hours of placement there might be multiple areas of interest.
Monika’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of university involvement. While seeking inspiration to find a profession is important, Monika has wholeheartedly demonstrated that the key to crafting a life tailored to oneself is by embracing opportunities and putting yourself out there.
