Throughout the time I took to decide that I wanted to be a midwife my culture and background has always contributed to my decision making. Within the area I live in I know there is not may Indigenous midwives available for mums or babies that identify has Indigenous so I knew that doing this would not only benefit myself but my community. I want to be able to provide a safe space for Indigenous mums to voice their concerns or anything they wish to without being judged.

I hope to ensure that they all have access or education on the support systems and opportunity’s they can use and reach out to during this major milestone in life. As according to statistics Indigenous mums have a higher percentage of preterm labour, low birth weight and neonatal death compared to non-Indigenous people. I know that myself as a whole may not be able to majorly decrease this gap, but I hope to one day slightly do so or be a part of a team working towards this.

After I have finished university and further improved my skills, I hope to work in an Indigenous based health facility to provide maternity care or if all goes well to perhaps go to rural Indigenous tribes/mobs to provide antenatal/postnatal education to the women and perhaps be able to provide care as well. All of this is to ensure Indigenous women and babies are provided culturally appropriate care and to make sure the women is able to voice her wants and needs, while hopefully fulfilling them to the best I can.

Reflecting on this past year in my final stretch of studying midwifery has been a whirlwind of emotions. I find myself oscillating between fear and excitement as graduation draws near and interviews for my new grad year loom just around the corner. It’s surreal to think how quickly time has flown by, yet here I am, on the threshold of completing this significant chapter of my life.

The last semester has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. There were moments of immense challenge where I questioned if I could push through, yet I persevered. Looking back, I’m grateful for those tough times because they’ve taught me resilience and strength that I didn’t know I possessed. Each hurdle overcome has only reinforced my passion for midwifery and my determination to succeed in this field.

As I anticipate the remainder of my university journey and eagerly await what the future holds post-graduation, I am filled with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. I wonder what new opportunities and experiences await me, both in my remaining time at university and beyond. The prospect of embarking on my career as a midwife is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, but I am ready to face it head-on, armed with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout my studies.

This year has been transformative in so many ways. It’s shaped me professionally and personally, and I know that the lessons learned, and friendships forged will stay with me long after I graduate. As I reflect on this journey so far, I am proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what lies ahead. Here’s to embracing the challenges and opportunities that await, and to continuing this journey with passion and determination.