Picture this: you’re an aspiring nurse, but you can’t stand the sight of blood.
That was the reality Tom Maddock faced as he entered his Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).
While a scary prospect for some, Tom quickly realised that his passion for helping people outweighed any early fears.
Now in his second year, he has certainly got his finger on the pulse in his studies and extracurricular commitments as President of the Nursing Society and Co-Chair of the UniSQ Student Senate.
We recently caught up with him to chat about his experience so far and why he is passionate about providing a voice to his nursing and wider student cohorts.
Why did you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing?
I chose nursing because I’ve always had a passion for helping people. I genuinely enjoy making a difference in someone’s life. I’m also a very extroverted person – I love engaging with others, having conversations and building connections. Nursing felt like the perfect fit where I could combine my love for people with a career that’s meaningful and impactful.
Was there a particular moment that made you want to be a nurse?
There wasn’t one specific moment that led me to nursing – it was more of a gradual realisation. Funnily enough, I used to be someone who hated the sight of blood and anything related to bodily fluids. But as I started to learn more about what nursing involves and got some exposure to the clinical side, I’ve grown to really enjoy it.
You’re the Co-Chair of the Student Senate. Can you tell us what the Student Senate is?
The Student Senate is a group of elected student representatives who advocate for our students. Our goal is to amplify student voices and contribute to positive change, to make UniSQ a better place.
What inspired you to join the Student Senate?
I was really drawn to the Student Senate because of the leadership opportunities it offered. I wanted to be someone who could help drive meaningful change here at UniSQ, and the Senate provided the perfect platform for that. It’s also been a great way to network, meet other students and make friends.
Why might students like to be a part of the Student Senate?
Being part of the Student Senate is such a valuable experience. Not only do you get to work on initiatives that can directly benefit students, but you also build strong leadership skills and expand your professional network. You have the chance to be a voice for your peers and help shape the UniSQ experience for current and future students.
What does the Student Senate do for students?
At its core, the Student Senate is all about listening to students and representing their needs. We take on feedback from students across all UniSQ campuses and bring those voices forward. Whether it’s about improving academic support, enhancing campus life, or advocating for student wellbeing, we’re here to make sure students are heard and that real improvements are made.
If you’re interested in Nursing or the Student Senate, head to our website to learn more.
