Elke returned to study as a mature age student when she enrolled in Box Hill Institute’s Diploma of Nursing course. Her reasons were aspirational as well as practical. She said, “I thought it was a great introduction to nursing, as opposed to taking on the three year Bachelor Degree costing anywhere around $30,000.
My husband and I have three young children so it was hard enough dropping to one income and study full time. I had to minimise the risks as much as possible,” she said.
The best thing about studying at Box Hill Institute, said Elke, is the support she had from the teachers. And for those thinking about studying nursing she recommends, “Actively surround yourself with people who are focussed, determined, studious, good fun and supportive. These are people who you will develop friendships with, they will help you stay focussed, pick you up if you fall down, support you when you need it and push you to study harder.
Elke applied for and was accepted into the Box Hill Epworth Eastern Scholarship program for students.