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.

This year was a lot to handle for me with both uni and home life. I had a set back which has held me back a year but this last semester I did not let it affect my work ethic and grades. This second semester I tried my hardest while taking what I believe to be the two hardest subjects I have taken since starting this journey. I had my doubts and worries, but I did it I passed and one step closer to the end. It was hard I would not lie as we have had some stuff going on with family. But I pushed through and made it through another semester and I’m so proud of myself. I also finally got to meet my sponsoring Rotary Club, they are so lovely and kind and have been such a great support to me. I hope next year is not as chaotic as this year but can’t wait for it to start.