Why nursing?

Xanthe says their interest in healthcare didn’t dawn on them in one single moment but was more of a gradual realisation over time.

“My high school years were focused on STEM, which gave me a solid foundation in the sciences,” they explain. “Seeing the impact of healthcare disparities in my community definitely played a role.”

Having spent much time volunteering and participating in youth-led organisations, Xanthe felt nursing was the ideal way to combine their love of science with their passion for caring for others.

“Nursing is one of the admirable professions that not only allow you to save lives in a literal sense but also help other people realise a life worth living according to their definition of what that looks like,” they add. 

Choosing to study at UC

Xanthe was just ten years old when they visited Australia for the first time to celebrate their sister’s graduation. This experience kindled an interest, which led them to return in 2016 as a tourist to visit Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

“I found that Australia was a beautiful place with the perfect balance between nature and a bustling city environment. This trip alone solidified this spark of curiosity, and since then I was sure that I wanted to study there in the future.”

When it was time to choose a university, Xanthe says UC stood out for a number of reasons, particularly for its student engagement practices and initiatives.

“Other than student engagement, I found that UC also provides better opportunities for me to excel even more academically,” they say.

“The institution has exhibited a stellar quality of instruction at a considerably lower cost, in comparison to the other universities I applied for abroad, including the USA.”

Life at UC

Moving to Canberra as an international student was a big change, Xanthe says, but UC made it much easier.

“The support system is incredible. I really don't think I could have adjusted as well without the connections I made through the university,” they say.

“Everyone was so welcoming, and there were so many opportunities to get involved.”

When it comes to their course, Xanthe says they’re loving it.

“It feels like I've found my place and where I belong. The quality of teaching is exceptional, and I'm constantly challenged in new ways. I’m pushed to be better and as a result I feel like I've really grown as a student and as a professional.”

They say the focus on practical skills and work-integrated learning opportunities have been invaluable.

Xanthe adds that UC’s support services have been incredible, particularly Study Skills and the UC Student Mentor Program, which helped them adapt to university life.

UC also has lots of student clubs and societies, making it easy to meet new people and make friends based on shared interests.

“The UC Nursing Society has been a fantastic community. They provide academic and social support, and it's been great to connect with other nursing students and learn from each other.”

A caring future

Xanthe says their favourite thing about Canberra is the peace and quiet.

“It's a contrast to the hustle and bustle of Manila, but I love it.”

Even still, they say they plan to return home to the Philippines once they’ve finished their degree.

“Being in my final year of the Bachelor of Nursing program, I undertook a unit relating to Indigenous Health and realised that the First Nations Peoples of Australia and Indigenous communities back home share many similarities,” they explain.

“I believe that much work must be done, especially in my home town, and I plan to use any experience I gain in Australia to support health literacy in the Philippines and engage in field work as soon as I am home.”

For other international students, or those considering studying at UC, Xanthe has some sage words of wisdom.

“Make the effort to find and make the most of every opportunity,” they say.

“Take advantage of all the support services UC has to offer — trust me, there’s a lot of it — and if you put yourself out there and immerse yourself into campus life, you’ll have a far better experience.”