Taylor-Jane Dooner always dreamed of becoming a nurse but, as a single mum working full-time as a hairdresser, life got in the way.

She had started online degrees before but couldn’t finish them without the right support. That changed when she found the Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Tasmania’s Sydney campus.

“I was drawn to the fast-track option at first,” she said. “But once I looked into it more, I realised how much the University had to offer – small classes, supportive lecturers and a real sense of community.”

Taylor-Jane studied in accelerated mode and found the experience both challenging and rewarding.

“The support from lecturers and other students was amazing, people helped each other with clinical exams and tough assignments. The lecturers really cared and gave me one-on-one help with exams and career advice.”

One unit in particular, primary health care, changed everything. It sparked a passion that led her to placements in justice health and eventually to postgraduate study in primary care. Her dedication was recognised when she was named New Graduate of the Year by the Australian Primary Healthcare Association.

Now studying a Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Primary Health Care), Taylor-Jane is working towards becoming a rural nurse practitioner.

“I want to help communities that need it most,” she said. “The University helped me find that purpose.”

She also received a Support to Study Scholarship, which helped her buy materials for her course, and demonstrated what’s possible when you have the right support and a clear goal.

“It made a big difference,” she said. “If you’re thinking about nursing, this is a great place to start.”