“I am proof that it’s never too late to chase and fulfil your dreams. Take the leap of faith and become what you’ve always wanted to be,” says Nerida Wallace, North Coast TAFE Student of the Year for Community Services and Health.
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At the age of 50 Nerida decided to study aged care at TAFE. She was working at the Whiddon Group’s facility in Laurieton and loved working with the residents and staff.
Nerida began with a Certificate III in Aged Care and earned a scholarship from NSW Health to begin her Diploma of Enrolled Nursing in May 2015.
“Before I began my studies I had worked in many jobs that allowed me to be present for my children,” Nerida said.
“For the past five years I have been working at the Whiddon Group Laurieton, firstly as a volunteer, then as a beautician and as part of the hospitality team in the kitchen. I felt that it was time for me to learn something new and contribute to my community.
“I wanted to do something in my career that was challenging, interesting, and would make a difference in people's lives. I loved working with the residents and staff at Whiddon, it’s so rewarding and everyone encouraged me to follow my dreams and gave me the confidence and time off I needed to further my education.
“My aim is to continue to work in the aged care industry and I am committed to being an advocate for older people and their families.
“Beginning my studies was challenging, juggling work, assignments and exams, something I hadn’t done for a very long time.
“Fortunately I had a great support network of teachers, friends and especially my parents who never stopped encouraging me to achieve my goals. During my training I had the opportunity to work in a variety of medical settings, and have enjoyed the experience of learning new skills and procedures.
“It gives me great satisfaction to devote my time to an industry that is expanding and is enriching people’s lives every day. The training I received was of a very high standard as was the level of professionalism and expertise of my trainers – they were supportive, encouraging and really wanted us to succeed.
“I was 50 years old when I began my TAFE journey and I haven’t looked back since. I have thoroughly enjoyed the education experience and value the knowledge and skills that I have acquired whilst following my career pathway.
“I want to be a role model and use my positive learning experience to encourage and inspire mature age students to strive for greatness, live to their fullest potential and to see the best in themselves.”
Nerida’s learning journey continues today. She has started a bachelor’s degree in gerontology and healthy ageing at Charles Sturt University. She is still juggling study commitments and work, finding enrichment in the experience.
“I love my job and every day I learn something new, which inspires me to keep studying so that I can provide the best care to our residents.
“Interacting with residents and their families, and helping them through what is often a very difficult time for them is extremely satisfying for me.
“During my TAFE holidays in 2016 I enrolled at the Camden Haven Community College and attained my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment which gave me the qualifications I needed to become a facilitator at TAFE Port Macquarie in the Health, Aged Care & Nursing Section.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given and am enthusiastic about imparting the knowledge and skills I have acquired, whilst a student myself, onto the next generation of nurses. So my life is now very full, and I am still working on my life/work/study balance.
“I am looking forward to the holidays so I can fly down to Melbourne to visit my children and my little grandson.”
Nerida’s dedication to her own education saw her recognised at the North Coast TAFE Community Services and Health student of the year.
“North Coast TAFE consists of 16 campuses between the Great Lakes and Tweed Heads so it was very humbling and such an honour to be recognised for my achievements in vocational education and training.
“The lavish ceremony was held at the Coffs Harbour campus on May 10 and I was lucky enough to have my partner and my teachers Kylie Ham and Diane Cavanagh with me for support.
“Kylie has been my inspiration, she has encouraged and mentored me from the very beginning of my TAFE journey and I truly value her guidance and friendship. I was proud and inspired by all the student finalists there on the night. Their passion, dedication, diverse stories and backgrounds was testament to the value and importance of the TAFE system and makes me hopeful for the future of our country.”