A chance encounter whilst volunteering as a youth mentor has opened Bronte Fletcher’s eyes to many new possibilities and the opportunity for a career in midwifery.
During her internship at Marsden State High School, Bronte from Brisbane’s West End, accepted an invitation to join her class on an excursion to the school of nursing and midwifery at Griffith University’s Logan campus and her life changed.
As a youth mentor, Bronte’s passion for caregiving had served her well to build new relationships and provide support, but she admits she was ‘totally blown away’ by what she learned about careers in midwifery that day.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” said Bronte.
“You learn so much about yourself from giving your time and energy to help others and nurture them and support them to realise their goals.
“I didn’t expect to go on a class excursion to the Logan campus, to even share in those kinds of experiences with the kids and I really didn’t expect to discover a passion for midwifery.”
Internships offer new opportunities
Through the Community Internship program any Griffith University student can get out of the classroom and into the workplace to perform valuable work that supports communities.
The Community Internship is offered as an elective course for Griffith students and earns students credit towards their degree at the same time as providing tuition, training, and mentoring from industry professionals.
“We are required to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours per semester, but the hours disappear quickly so most of us do more than the minimum hours, especially when you really love what you are doing,” said Bronte.
“They even invited me along on their winter study camp and I just couldn’t say no. It was loads of fun and a great chance to bond with the students.
“You develop good leadership skills and learn how to relate with a diversity of people of different ages when volunteering.
“The mentors in the school were amazing too. Very supportive and reassuring, so you never felt alone.
“We had to write a reflective journal of our experiences to complete the coursework and it was amazing to look back at who I was as a person when I started and how much I had gained.
“The internship changed my outlook on life and my career.”
Bronte has enjoyed working in the Logan area and is excited by the opportunities that lie ahead when she commences the Bachelor of Midwifery at the Logan campus in 2014.