A young Sunshine Coast woman, inspired to help others by her own experience with a serious disease, has received a prestigious education award.
Diploma of Nursing graduate Tanya Armstrong was acknowledged as the Sunshine Coast Student of the Year, by TAFE Queensland.
The award recognised her academic achievement, motivation, teamwork, extra-curricular commitments and aspirations.
It was her personal experience with the healthcare system that drove her to take her passion to the next level, after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at 20.
“I experienced first-hand what a positive difference simple things such as a warm smile and friendly voice can have on someone when they in a truly terrifying and uncertain time in their life,” Ms Armstrong said.
“When I first enrolled, I wanted to become a nurse that specialises in MS, so that I could help others in a similar way to how I have been helped and continue to be helped along my own health journey.
“But that goal has changed and now I just want to be able to make a positive lasting difference to the people I care for, regardless of what specific position or role I have as a nurse.
“I genuinely believe that my attitude in life, mindset and energy are immensely more powerful than anything else that goes on in my life.
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“After all, you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you look at those events and how they can shape your future.”
Ms Armstrong enrolled in TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Nursing on the advice of colleagues she met during her time as a personal carer, and completed her studies at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute.
This is a state-of-the-art training facility operated as a joint-venture partnership between Queensland Health, TAFE Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast and Griffith University.
Ms Armstrong was proud to have graduated and was honoured to receive her recent accolade.
“It feels absolutely incredible to have graduated. I am overjoyed,” the 23-year-old said.
“Graduating has been something I have looked forward to for some time now. I am so pleased to have finally achieved this goal.
“I wasn’t expecting it (the award) in the slightest, but I’m incredibly thankful. It feels amazing that my hard work has been recognised.
“I’m really proud of myself. It’s been a long journey, but I made some amazing friends and some amazing people, and I feel very privileged.”
TAFE Queensland’s Diploma of Nursing recently topped the QTAC offers for school leavers in 2022, with Queenslanders looking to make the most of the 9.8 per cent increase in employment opportunities that the Department of Education, Skills and Employment are projecting for enrolled nurses over the next five years.
For more information about how you can kick-start a rewarding career in nursing, visit TAFE Queensland or call 1300 308 233.
