A self-confessed lover of puzzles, Verynnia Neilson says she draws eternal joy from constant learning and taking on the frustration of the “not knowing” in a quest for finding solutions to problems.
One of those answers to a personal question in life led Verynnia to Flinders University where she originally began studying forensics before jumping at the chance to transfer to the new Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine).
She says her learning experience has been irreplaceable based on the fact she knew she wanted to gain expertise in a field of interest while not initially being entirely confident of what that would mean.
“I knew I wanted to be working within a lab but was not sure at first in which capacity that would entail but after talking to various lecturers, guidance counsellors, topic coordinators and student mentors, the vision for my future became clearer,” Verynnia says.
“Through my studies as well as the connections I have forged with fellow students and lecturers, I have been able to discover my personal areas of passion and interest within this extremely immense field of Medical Science.
“I am fortunate to be part of the first cohort of students for the Laboratory Medicine degree which is currently seeking to be AIMS (Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists) accredited, which opens up so many career opportunities for employment within the field of my passion.”
The practical element of the degree program is, in her own words, the “pinnacle of my experiences” and that there is no substitute for “hands-on” real-life placements and interactions.
“The theory is a vital aspect of our learning, but the implementation of the theory, is for me where the magical ‘light-bulb’ moments have occurred.
“Having the opportunity to mentor other students and further opportunities to do my placement within operational research laboratories has been so insightful and absolutely the highlight of my education.
“One of my most favourite continued experiences is that I get to learn within the Flinders Medical Centre, it is inclusive and indicative of the environment in which I hope to be working in when I graduate.
“I have really appreciated the early exposure to this type of ‘in place’ learning as it has helped solidify to me that I am on the right career path for myself individually.”
Felling supported while learning
The support and guidance of the University family along the way is something Verynnia speaks of with significant praise, highlighting how having a supervisor facilitate her learning is a genuine privilege. Flinders University, she says, stands out from all others in the commitment to supporting students and providing engaging content with real life-based skills.
All of which validates her decision to pursue a life of learning, encouraging others to follow their dreams and aspirations.
“Trust yourself, be your best advocate, the journey will develop your knowledge and enable you to absorb the content that will allow you to achieve your personal best,” Verynnia says.
“There is nothing to lose and only incredible experiences and opportunities to gain from giving your future the greatest chance – it has challenged and empowered me to develop knowledge I could not have dreamt up if I tried.
“I am so grateful and proud that I didn’t give up on my dreams and aspirations. I have learnt so much and feel an immense privilege to have gained this knowledge and experiences and sincerely feel I will be serving my community within my chosen profession path of my dream career because I gave myself the chance.”