Balancing books, beats, and big dreams: A nurse's journey

Where and what did you study at university/college?

I pursued nursing at Avenues College School of Nursing. I have always had a deep-seated love for taking care of people. Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing I have alleviated someone’s pain and brought a smile to their face. The entire journey of my student years was truly fulfilling; every lecture, every practical, and every interaction contributed to my growth in this noble profession.

What was your favourite and least favourite unit?

Psychiatry was, without a doubt, my favourite unit. Mental health is such a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked. When your mind is at peace, everything else seems to fall into place. Many people are not suffering due to a lack of material possessions; rather, they are battling stress, depression, and anxiety. Understanding the intricacies of the human mind and learning how to provide support was truly enlightening.

On the other hand, Maternity Practical Procedures was the most challenging unit for me. While witnessing the miracle of childbirth is breathtaking, it was heartbreaking to see the sheer agony women endure during labour. The process of bringing new life into the world is both awe-inspiring and deeply painful to watch.

Who was your best and worst lecturer?

My best lecturer was Mr Kiama. He had a remarkable way of making his lessons lively and engaging. His humour and passion for teaching made it nearly impossible to lose focus in his class.

As for my least favourite lecturer, I can’t recall her name, but she was one of the most stringent educators I have ever encountered. She maintained a no-nonsense approach, expected nothing short of perfection, and demanded complete attentiveness. While her standards were high, they instilled discipline, though at times, the atmosphere in her class felt suffocating. 

How was campus life in general?

Campus life was liberating yet demanding. Unlike high school, where there is constant supervision, university life grants you complete autonomy. No one follows up on your assignments or ensures you attend lectures. It’s entirely up to you. This independence taught me self-discipline and responsibility because I quickly realised that my future depended solely on how much effort I put into my studies.

How did you make money while on campus?

I was fortunate to have a side hustle as a backup singer. Music has always been a part of me, and through networking with musicians and producers, I secured opportunities to provide vocal backups. I worked with well-known artists such as Eric Smith and Redemption, as well as many rising stars in the industry. It was a thrilling experience, one that not only supported me financially but also nurtured my love for music.

What was your perspective on dating while in university?

I saw dating as a distraction. I often asked myself, “How can I serve two masters at the same time?” Balancing a relationship and a demanding course like nursing seemed unrealistic to me. I chose to put dating on hold and focus entirely on perfecting my career. Looking back, I have no regrets. It was the best decision for my growth and development.

What do you think of campus relationships?

I firmly believe that campus relationships can be a hindrance to academic success. If one is serious about excelling in their studies and building a bright future, relationships can become a source of unnecessary stress and distraction. There is a time for everything, and prioritising one’s career first ensures a stronger foundation for the future.

How did you spend your free time?

I indulged in my passions. I wrote songs, listened to music, worked out, watched films, and engaged in Bible study. These activities kept me grounded, motivated, and mentally refreshed. They allowed me to find balance amid the demanding nature of my nursing course.

Where did you hang out on weekends?

I would often spend time at one of my friend’s hospitals, assisting with procedures and learning more about the medical field. On some weekends, I would hang out at a friend’s recording studio, singing to the beats he created and providing backup vocals for various artists. Church was also one of my favourite places to be, especially on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings, where I would listen to sermons, sing, and pray.

Your advice to upcoming artists?

Keep putting in the effort and striving for excellence in whatever you do. Aim high and work relentlessly towards your goals because we need talented individuals like you in this nation, not only for musical enrichment but also for our collective mental well-being and as a source of stress relief.