When I embarked on my journey for a Degree in Nursing as a mature student 4 years ago, I must admit I was pretty sure I wouldn’t make it past the interview phase.
I had zero self confidence. I did not believe in myself. Not at all. But there were a few individuals around me who did believe in me. And so, although I couldn’t see a possibility, I tried. I applied. I attended…and I passed the interview phase.
When I was asked to sit for an English Proficiency Test, I walked in, terrified, trembling. My mouth dried up…I could probably use an IV infusion at that time! And when we were asked to start writing, I could hear other students starting to write frantically on their exam papers while I had to close my eyes and calm my heart’s drastically increasing rate through deep breathing. It took me probably about 5 minutes to start writing…but I did it. I finished on time. And I passed.
When I stepped in a lecture room at the University of Malta for the first time at 37 years old after being accepted to take the 5 year long course, I wanted to do my best to sink into the seat I was sitting on, hoping that I would blend in or even better, go unnoticed amongst all the other students, most of who were the same age as my oldest daughter.
But day by day, the course started changing me.
Now, 4 years later, I can affirm I’ve probably been one of the biggest butt-pains my amazing lecturers have experienced so far (some of them know this…I’ve literally told them so because I feel it’s true!!).
Asking questions following deep reflections has become the norm for me. I no longer sink into my seat…I don’t mind speaking up anymore. I don’t mind advocating for others, be it students, patients, or anyone in need of support for a good cause.
A new challenge is now coming up…speaking up on a broader spectrum – speaking up with the aim of breaking health-related taboos that we still are dealing with here in Malta.
I know beyond doubt that this is going to be quite a tough challenge for me, yet I am ready to face it. For even as a registered nurse, in 2 years’ time I want to have enough experience to be a better advocate for my patients, both on an individual level, and if necessary, even on a larger scale. I want to be the voice of those who haven’t yet found theirs…who are still in the same spot I was 4 years ago, just sinking in my seat to avoid being seen.
Never did I imagine I could be where I am today, and for this I can only humbly thank those who believed in me when I didn’t, as well as all the lovely lecturers and academics at UM who were willing to listen and to encourage me from the very beginning to always speak up whenever I deem necessary.
One final piece of advice… It is NEVER TOO LATE to start something new! Believe in yourself and when hurdles pop up, jump. If you fall, get back up, dust yourself off and retry…keep trying until you make it through!
You too can be all you have ever wanted to be. You have all the potential you need to be or have whatever you wish.
Are you ready to turn your dreams into reality?
Acknowledge your power! Believe in yourself! YOU are the sole creator of your life! Start living the Life of your Dreams today!
