SUN raises hope of nursing career
Published on 09 September, 2010
Kristin Estoria had already completed high school in The Philippines when she enrolled at Mackay State High School as well as taking up a SUN (Start Uni Now) program with CQUniversity.
However, she believes the extra effort will be worth it when she enrols full-time in a Nursing degree next year.
The SUN program gives eligible high school students an opportunity
to enrol in university courses while they are still at school.
Details are available via 13 27 86 or www.cqu.edu.au/sun
"I want to be Registered Nurse and then a postgraduate surgical nurse," she said.
As a teenager in The Philippines, Kristin excelled at tennis and badminton and loved watching 'any kind of movies'.
"My family was from Bacolod city. I grew up in Hinoba-an which is a province and I finished my 1st year and 2nd year high school there. Then, we moved to the city, (Bacolod City) so far from Hinobaan. I finished my 3rd year and 4th year high school at Bacolod Christian College," she said.
Now in Australia with her family, she's looking forward to completing her school and SUN subjects, giving her a headstart into her tertiary studies.
"It's a great opportunity to do this SUN program, because it helps me to challenge myself ... the only way I can pass is through discipline and by managing my time," Kristin said.
"Sometimes I woke at 5am or 5:30 in the morning just to finish my assessment. I'm so thankful to all the teachers for being understanding and flexible, because sometimes the due date of my assessment for school and CQUni have been on the same date.
"In my first term in SUN which was Establishment of Professional Nursing it scared me and I thought I would struggle attending two schools but I needed to think positive that I could do it."
Kristin said her message to future SUN students would be about "disciplining yourself not to be be slack/lazy and having more confidence".
"Sometimes I lost my hope but I always said to myself that if they can do it, I can do it as well," she said.
Kristen's younger sister Sheila is now considering taking up a SUN program next year.