Emma’s education gives birth to rewarding career

Thursday, 1 May 2014

It is a special week for Emma Norville, celebrating not one, but two life milestones. Emma celebrated her 31st birthday on Wednesday and on Thursday graduated with a Bachelor of Midwifery, from the University of Newcastle.

Emma Norville story"I'm now living a completely different life and it's amazing. It's something no one every expected from me," Emma said about achieving in higher education.

At 16 years of age, Emma had her first child and was faced with being a teenage mother.  She now has three beautiful children, who are intensely proud of their mother's educational achievement and career as a midwife at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital.

Emma said midwifery was a dream she had always held close to her heart but did not have the confidence to pursue - until she completed UON's enabling program Open Foundation.

"Midwifery was the most amazing degree. During the degree I had the opportunity to follow women throughout their pregnancy and birth. I am very thankful to these amazing women who allowed me to share such a special times in their life.

Emma said supporting women through this special event in their life was a rewarding part of her new career.

"It's a wonderful feeling knowing I've made a difference to the women who I care for."

She said choosing to study at the University of Newcastle had changed her life.

"I feel like this degree has done so much for me. It's given me confidence, raised my self-esteem and self-belief. I have the drive to continue learning. I have shown my children the importance of education and hope that one day they too follow their dreams.

"Words cannot explain how happy and proud that I am to have my three children by my side at my graduation. Although I cried many tears throughout the degree, the smile that my achievements bring to my family has made it all worth it."

Emma Norville will graduate at the 6pm Thursday 1 May Faculty of Health and Medicine ceremony.

Contact

  • Carmen Swadling, Media and Public Relations
  • Phone: +61 2 4985 4276 or 0428 038 477.

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