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There was never any doubt that Sophia Maguyon’s purpose lay in healthcare.
After moving from the Philippines, UOW College’s HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing helped her fast-track her nursing qualifications, turning her lifelong passion for caring into a rewarding career.
As a child, Sophia would bandage her pets’ injuries and tend to the imaginary wounds of her aunts and uncles – and when it came to dress-ups, it was always doctor or nurse. But it was the sudden loss of her beloved uncle to a heart aneurysm when she was eight years old that really brought her future into focus.
“I always knew I wanted to help people and, if I could, to prevent things like that from happening to others,” she says.
“I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else.”
Finding her fit
Sophia initially imagined a career in medicine. After moving to Australia in 2022, she began a medical science course in Sydney, but it just didn’t feel right.
“I realised pretty quickly I needed something more hands-on,” she said.
“I wanted to move around, talk to people, help them directly. That’s when I decided to study nursing instead.”
After finding out she didn’t meet the entry requirements for direct university admission, so she enrolled in the 18-month Diploma of Nursing program at UOW College, knowing it would provide a pathway into the second year of the UOW Bachelor of Nursing.
“At first, I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t go straight into the Bachelor of Nursing at UOW. But when I started the course, I loved it so much. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Sophia says the support and motivation of her teachers created an environment where she felt confident and capable to learn.
“Our teachers were so welcoming and always told us there is no such thing as a silly question, because that’s how you learn. It really built our confidence at every step,” she says.
She also loved the sense of community among her small cohort, helping her tackle the challenges of the demanding course and vocation.
“We help each other out all the time. There’s no competition – it’s all teamwork and support. Being from another country, that really helped my transition into nursing in Australia.”
Learning through experience
That strong support network has carried her through the toughest aspects of her studies, particularly her clinical placements.
“Rachel, our Vocational Program Manager, was always there to help, she’d make time for every student and make sure our placements are running smoothly.”
Her first placement, in a geriatric ward, was a defining experience. Though she was nervous at first, she soon found her feet.
“The patients were lovely. They’d tell me their life stories, and one even introduced me to her family, saying, ‘These are the lovely young nurses taking care of me.’ It made me feel I was doing exactly what I was meant for.”
While studying, Sophia has also been working as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) at South Coast Private Hospital, gaining valuable experience in a mental health ward.
Following her heart
Now completing her final placements before graduating as an Enrolled Nurse (EN), Sophia feels ready for the next step: jumping into the second year of the UOW Bachelor of Nursing, where she’ll qualify as a Registered Nurse (RN).
“The teachers have prepared us so well and I’m excited for what’s next.”
Sophia’s long-term goal is to specialise in paediatric cardiology, combining her interest in heart health with her love of caring for children. She hopes her experience will inspire others considering the UOW College Diploma of Nursing either as a pathway to university study, or to start a career in healthcare.
“When you start, you’ll be nervous, but just try to be confident,” she says.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions or lean on your teachers and classmates. This course is challenging, but it’s all worth it. You learn so much about human nature, and that patience and kindness go a long way.”