Student profile - Rob Nelson

Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedics)- Peninsula campus

I was born in Melbourne but raised in the country in the small town of Korumburra. I am the eldest of the three boys and my father was part of the stolen generation. My mother passed away when I was 15, and I nearly gave up school all together, but I didn't, I completed my VCE in 2002 and went on to do hospitality for a couple of years. After which I decided that I wanted to do something that involved helping people, so I completed my Division 2 nursing course in 2007.

I then went on to apply for the paramedic course, and with only half my marks available at the time I applied, it was not accepted, but after getting in touch with the Indigenous Student Recruitment Officer who told me to "leave it with them", I was accepted into the Indigenous Access Program.

I received financial and tutorial assistance to complete two units of the uni course per semester. I chose to study paramedics because I enjoy caring for others as a nurse but wanted to practise my skill in a more community based setting and also to be there for people as the initial point of contact. My inspiration came from the health care workers who cared for my mother when we couldn't and the wonderful feeling they left me with after she had passed as well as the follow up consultations they provided.

My Uni experience thus far has been really great as I have received assistance and support with a range of different challenges from the wonderful staff.