Health of people on the East Coast is set to benefit from the commitment and determination of Tokomaru Bay woman Jaedi Davies pictured with her “why”. Photo credit Liam Clayton/ Gisborne Herald
Health of people on the East Coast is set to benefit from the commitment and determination of Tokomaru Bay woman Jaedi Davies pictured with her “why”. Through the completion of the level 3, and then the level 4 offerings of the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation with EIT Tairāwhiti, Jaedi has gained the skills and confidence to enrol in the Bachelor of Nursing at EIT this year, a path she has always dreamed about.
The 36-year-old mother of two travelled the three-hour return trip every day to Gisborne to take part in her study, with her commitment and determination being reflected in her final grades.
“Prior to studying my partner and I weighed it up whether the travel was worth it. My partner is really supportive and with the help of family I have stuck it out.”
After Jaedi left high school she went into the Army and then went to Australia with her partner to work.
“We came home in 2019 and I didn’t want to do anything. We have a medically sick son and basically he is my why to do nursing.”
Now seven-years-old, Ison-Kene spent the first six months of his life in a newborn intensive care unit.
“That gave me a new found appreciation for what nurses did for my family; I could see myself doing that for others. We know nurses are needed in New Zealand especially on the coast and I just want to help people.”
Jaedi decided to enrol in the NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation because it had been a long time since she had been at school.
“I didn’t want to go into a bachelor programme not knowing the right way to write an essay, reference and study. The tutors and students were an awesome bunch and the tutors wanted us all to achieve our goals. I would recommend doing these programmes if you haven’t studied for a while, it definitely helps with the right knowledge and skills, it’s the little things like academic writing that makes a big difference in your marks.”
Having a great support network at home has been a huge factor in Jaedi’s success.
“I am so grateful for my family helping with the kids. I don’t even need to ask – they are always there for me.”
Her goal once finished her nursing degree is to take her learnings and skills and work on the East Coast.
“I want to help out our vulnerable people with an emphasis on health and wellbeing. When I grew up health issues were brushed off as nothing important by parents and grandparents but those indicators are important to act on, by looking after yourself you will have a better and longer life and see your kids and mokopuna grow up.”