From Passion to Profession: Jessie’s Inspiring Path to Midwifery

Jessie always knew she wanted to pursue further education after high school, driven by a deep curiosity and a passion for learning. After taking a gap year to reflect and prepare, she began her journey studying midwifery at the University of Newcastle. Her inspiration stemmed from the women in her family, who openly shared their pregnancy and birthing stories with her from a young age - stories that revealed the profound, empowering, and transformative nature of childbirth.

“These intergenerational stories - shared during quiet moments in family kitchens, as dishes were dried and I listened with curiosity from the bench - left a profound and lasting impression on me. Though I had never met a midwife, I came to understand their presence and impact through these stories. I knew I wanted to help other women feel as powerful, respected, and supported as the women in my life did” Jessie expressed.

Jessie appreciates the flexibility of her midwifery program, which allows her to balance work, study, and rural placements with ease. The blended delivery - combining online and face-to-face learning - has been key to managing her commitments. When she's on campus, Jessie enjoys spending time in the library and making the most of the university’s beautiful green spaces.

By learning in the university’s simulated environment and using the industry-standard equipment available to students, Jessie has been able to confidently transfer her knowledge and skills from the classroom to real-world placements. The highlights of Jessie’s program so far have been her overseas study experiences and clinical placements. She completed a two-week study tour in Yokohama, Japan, alongside fellow students and academics. Jessie also visited Hue, Vietnam, where she conducted a research study in a hospital exploring birthing practices with a fellow student. These experiences have given her a deeper understanding of the diverse preferences and experiences women have - and how to honour those choices in her future practice.

Jessie describes studying midwifery at the University of Newcastle as “one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The program is hands-on, supportive, and deeply connected to real-world practice. You’re guided by educators who genuinely care about helping you grow into a capable and compassionate midwife.” She values the nurturing environment and the wealth of knowledge shared by the academics teaching in the program. Jessie also found her role as a Student Ambassador extremely rewarding, as it allowed her to build meaningful connections with both academics and fellow students.

“The friendships I’ve formed through my degree - especially during placements in Port Macquarie and through my involvement with BREAATHHE, the University of Newcastle’s rural health club - have been incredibly meaningful. Being part of a community that values rural health and teamwork has given me lifelong mentors and friends who truly inspire me.”

Her advice to future students is to embrace every placement opportunity and challenge, as each experience builds skills, purpose, and resilience. After graduation, Jessie hopes to secure a role as a Graduate Midwife and explore agency work both in Australia and overseas. She also has a strong interest in humanitarian work and aspires to join Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in the future.

Jessie Scarff

Hear from current student, Jessie Scarff, about her experience studying the Bachelor of Midwifery at the University of Newcastle.

The program is hands-on, supportive, and deeply connected to real-world practice. You’re guided by educators who genuinely care about helping you grow into a capable and compassionate midwife.