Alumni

Next, we have Michael Barnes: Class of 2018

Current Medical student Michael Barnes included a lot of other information about his post-school journey that wouldn't 'fit' into our template. We have included it here because it mirrors so much of what our world has been like over the past few years - successfully avoiding COVID until it couldn't be avoided any more, taking rare opportunities to travel and observe life, working hard in casual employment in order to 'live' while studying, self-reflecting and identifying goals, seeking growth, engaging in activism for employment equity. Congratulations, Michael, on our journey thus far.

2019

• Went to UoN to study Biomedical Science due to my interest in the field as well as good transfer credits to other health fields such as nursing and physiotherapy.
• Lived on campus because I heard it was fun (and it was).
• Worked at Coles to support myself during study. Kept myself active with gym and campus sport.
• Went to NZ to visit some family for a holiday.

2020

• Studied Nursing at UoN after deciding that I wanted a career in primary healthcare rather than research. I found it fulfilling, and the skills I developed were of great use to me even to this day.
• Worked in a nursing home to make ends meet as the cost of living increased due to the pandemic.
• Volunteered at a soup kitchen down the road because they were struggling with close contact restrictions limiting their staffing.
• Deftly evaded testing positive for a whole year despite working two jobs and volunteering.

2021

• After offers for Medicine were released, I accepted UoN due to having stable employment and good social circles in the area. Moved off campus to a share house and started another job in childcare.
• Got COVID three times- albeit with only minor symptoms.
• Got isolated because of casual contacts at least eight times.
• Protested for better staffing ratios for nurses and midwives.

2022

• After 3 whole years, I finally progressed to the 2nd year of a degree, continuing to study Medicine and commence placements in the general practice setting.
• Took my first holiday in four years to Melbourne for 3 days. Very much worth it.
• Got covid one last time and missed my mid-semester exam. Will sit the exam at some point.
• I was fortunate enough to be allocated Armidale for fourth-year placements and to engage in the global health pathway affording me great travel opportunities during the remainder of my degree.
• Watched some friends get married. Heard about others graduating. I was reminded about how far I’ve come, and how far I have left to go.