A uni dream comes true
FROM the moment Michelle Smith shadowed a paramedic she knew she wanted that job.
It has been a journey to get to the position she finds herself in now.
After finishing school in Year 10, Mrs Smith never dreamt of finishing a university degree.
But that’s what happened last week, when she received her Bachelor of Paramedic Science degree at CQUniversity Townsville’s third annual graduation ceremony.
“I’ve always been interested in the health field,” Mrs Smith said.
“I was working retail in Tassie before I moved up here and I started volunteering with the ambulance service.
“When I did the first shift I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.”
At the ceremony the 37- year- old was presented with an indigenous sash in recognition of her ancestry and achievement, and the university’s commitment to reconciliation.
“Being indigenous is something I’ve always been really proud of,” Mrs Smith said.
She has applied to be a paramedic with the Queensland Ambulance Service and is also looking at doing more study to get into the indigenous health sector.
“It’s something I’ve got interest in, especially the education side of things,” Mrs Smith said.
Originally from Tasmania, Mrs Smith moved to Townsville when her husband, Jason, who is in the army, was posted here.
“My husband had a lot of belief in me – I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to do it,” she said.
“I was never a great student at school and didn’t think I’d get through a degree.”
Acting Pro Vice Chancellor Indigenous Engagement Professor Henrietta Marrie said CQUniversity played a dynamic national role in ensuring indigenous students received all the support required to graduate.