Pursuing Her Passion Leads to Success

Like many of us, during secondary school, Nicole Barrow wasn’t sure what career she wanted to pursue. However, she has a passion and love for animals, especially horses, and she let that guide her future.

After graduating year 12, Nicole began working as a stud hand at Warmblood Breeding Facility, a thoroughbred breeding stud, and this led her to enrol in a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Hill Institute. She said, “I believe everything in life happens for a reason, and I am so glad I decided to become a veterinary nurse because I absolutely love it and I couldn't have picked a more suitable career path,” she said.

While studying in Box Hill, Nicole completed a veterinary nursing traineeship with Rose City Vets in Benalla, where she grew up. Living three hours away from campus and working full time meant she was grateful that she could complete her course online. 

Nicole said she never got bored during her course and really enjoyed studying and completing the assignments. She said, “I loved learning about anaesthesia and surgery and find it so awesome and interesting,” she said.

Earlier his year, Nicole’s dedication to her studies earned her a Trainee of the Year award. She said, “When it was first announced that I had won it, I felt very shocked and grateful that I had been chosen as the winner. I was so excited and felt that all of my hard work had paid off.”

As a teenager, Nicole had lacked self-confidence and never truly believed in herself. Studying and winning the award has helped her to realise what she is capable of achieving. She hopes that by winning this award, others can also learn to believe in themselves. She said, “I feel confident in my profession, and I certainly have Box Hill Institute to thank for that.

“Thank you to all of the staff and teachers at Box Hill Institute, to my employer and all the people I work with and to my family and friends. I couldn't have done it without all of your ongoing support.”

We wish Nicole all the best in her veterinary career.