As a life long resident of the Northern Territory with strong ties to my Aboriginal background, lifestyle and culture, I have been continuously exposed to the shortfall in resources and cultural appropriate policies towards Aboriginal health.   When choosing my career path, improving the health outcomes for my wider community has always guided my choices.

Whilst working as a registered nurse in the Northern Territory I observed a lack of culturally safe communications methods, a lack of consideration of language, culture and health education barriers.   I have embarked on my current journey, studying the Doctor of Medicine to be in a position to improve this.   These mishaps within the healthcare system are a direct result of policies developed without the input of  Indigenous people with consideration of their specific health needs.   There is a lack of training on culturally sensitive topics being taught by Indigenous people and this does not five the opportunity for healthcare workers to learn about Aboriginal culture.   I strongly feel that having more doctors with ties to their Indigenous cultures can aid in bridging the gap and over time, set better examples for future generations, like myself, to have a voice in treatment, delivery of culturally safe healthcare and eventually be involved at a policy level.

I believe it is also important to recognise that by entering the workforce as a health practitioner, I will be increasing the number of Indigenous health care professionals in the Territory and the wider Australian community.  This is also an opportunity to continue to be a positive role model in my community and I am hopeful tat it will encourage our Indigenous youth to continue their education and follow their aspirations whenever that may lead them.

“This semester has been intense—challenging, rewarding, and exhausting in equal measure. Academically, I tackled Cardiology, Respiratory, and Renal, each block pushing me in different ways. My nursing background helped, but there were still moments where I struggled. One of my biggest learning curves was history-taking—missing key questions in my assessment was frustrating, but it was a wake-up call to refine my approach. Despite the challenges, I felt myself improving, especially in clinical skills, which made all the hard work feel worthwhile.

One of the biggest wins, though, was simply being here. Passing the first year after failing the first time was an incredible feeling—proof that I am capable, that I belong here. There were times when I doubted myself, but making it through reinforced that I am smarter and stronger than I give myself credit for. I deserved that second chance, and I proved to myself that I could rise to the challenge.

Leadership has been a mixed experience. I have worked hard to advocate for my peers, but entitlement within the cohort and barriers in my roles left me feeling frustrated and disillusioned at times. It has been a hard lesson in picking my battles and recognizing that I ca not fix everything. I have started to rethink where I want to put my energy—focusing on what truly matters rather than getting caught up in things outside my control.

Burnout hit me hard this semester. Juggling study, leadership, cultural obligations, and personal commitments stretched me thin, and I had to find ways to manage it. The gym became my outlet, not just physically but mentally. Shifting my mindset from “I have to” to “I get to” changed how I approached everything—from exercise to studying to daily responsibilities. It reminded me that this journey is a privilege, even when it feels overwhelming.

Looking back, this semester has been tough, but I am proud of the progress I have made. I have grown academically, clinically, and personally. Moving forward, I want to set better boundaries, focus on what aligns with my values, and make the most of the opportunities that actually matter. No matter how challenging things get, I know I am capable of adapting and pushing through.”