Do you have a career dream you’ve never pursued? Many avoid forging their own career path, thinking it’s too late or complicated to retrain in a new field. After raising five children, Joanne decided to make her dream of becoming a nurse a reality.
Leaving high school at sixteen, Joanne Padgett was encouraged to work in administration and felt her dream of becoming a nurse was out of reach.
“I always dreamt of becoming a nurse, however I graduated high school at 16 with average grades…I would have been first in my family to have gone to university and it was unheard of in my family and social group."
After being a stay-at-home mum to five beautiful children for thirteen years, Joanne found the courage and confidence to think outside what was expected of her, forge her own path and pursue nursing when her youngest child started school.
"I considered returning into the administration field, however, the desire of becoming a nurse never left me and has in fact grown over the years through my experiences as a mother."
But with many years outside of a formal education setting, Joanne was hesitant about her ability to complete study at a university level. Thankfully, a friend was able to recommend one of Murdoch's admissions pathway courses, OnTrack Flex.
"A friend completed the OnTrack Flex course some years ago as a pathway into University. I made a telephone call to Murdoch to enquire about enabling pathways and they recommended OnTrack Flex to me.”
OnTrack Flex is a free online enabling course that qualifies students to apply direct to Murdoch for admission into any course that has a minimum Selection Rank of 70. With the option to complete OnTrack Flex over 10 weeks, 20 weeks, or 12 months, it was the perfect choice for Joanne, allowing her to fit study around her busy family schedule.
"I loved the flexibility of OnTrack Flex as it allowed me to work around my children and study during the hours that suited me."
The chance to learn again
For a mature-aged student like Joanne, the flexible admission pathways gave her the space and opportunity to enjoy learning again.
"I really enjoyed using my brain in a more challenging way than what I have become accustomed to. It has been 22 years since I have undertaken any form of study and I enjoyed opening my mind and gaining new knowledge.
"OnTrack Flex is a great introduction into University and gave me the belief that you are never too old to learn new things. The course is designed in a way that it gently guides you through learning step by step."
Forging her own path, one step at a time
Thanks to Joanne's perseverance and the guidance of OnTrack Flex tutors, Joanne was able to do what she never thought possible and qualify for a Bachelor of Nursing at Murdoch University.
"When I was accepted into nursing I cried tears of overwhelming joy, shock, fear and elation! I just couldn't believe it was actually happening after all these years.
OnTrack Flex has totally changed my future. It has not only given me an opportunity to fulfill a life- long dream, but it has also given me fundamental skills for starting my University degree and the confidence to believe in myself. I can't imagine having started University without first completing OnTrack Flex!”
And with her newfound confidence, Joanne is thinking broadly about her potential in the health and nursing industry. Once she completes her Bachelor of Nursing, she’s hoping to further her studies to become a midwife.
Most importantly, returning to study at a university level wasn't just about Joanne pursuing her own dreams, but also setting an example to her children. She believes through her own experience she will show her children that with hard work and determination, they can steer the ship of their own lives, no matter what other people say they should do.
"I love that I am doing something positive that will better my future and I also feel proud that I am being a good role model to my children."
Pathways into university for mature age students
Whether you want to use your high school or TAFE results, your work and life experience, or you'd prefer to upskill with an enabling course – there’s more than one way to get into university as mature age student.