Celebrating our Graduates – Emma & Shelley Soutter
In conversation with Yarrawonga mother and daughter Emma and Shelley Soutter, who spoke at the Wangaratta graduation ceremony.
More than 100 students had their moment in the spotlight at GOTAFE’s Wangaratta and Benalla Graduation on Wednesday, 15 March.
Held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre, more than 300 people attended the graduation, which was emceed by Tim Campbell and featured a keynote address from 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, as well as a set by Nurse-turned-comedian Georgie Carroll.
But it was the students who stole the show, with Yarrawonga mother and daughter Emma and Shelley Soutter sharing their stories on stage of what it was like to study a Diploma of Nursing together.
“I had a career change when COVID struck,” explained mother and Diploma of Nursing student Shelley.
“I was in the beauty industry for 17 years with my own business. And then when COVID struck, the beauty industry shut down and I thought, what am I going to do for my next life?”
During their studies, the pair learned a lot about each other.
“We are very different in our studies,” Emma said.
“I’m a really bad student. I leave everything to the last minute and Mum is a really good student that does it when she gets it.”
Emma and Shelley used their different skill sets to support each other through challenges during their studies.
“I come from a background of no technology and so lucky for Emma, she was my technological guru for everything,” Shelley said.
Since completing their studies, the pair have gone on to gain employment in their communities and are enjoying their roles.
“I have been employed as an EN within the aged care facility I was working at in Yarrawonga,” Shelley said.
“So while I'm studying my Registered Nursing, I'll be working as an Enrolled Nurse.”
Emma has gone on to commence a role in the medical ward at Albury Hospital.
“Now we are going on to study our registered nursing at La Trobe in Wodonga,” she said.
Thank you to Emma and Shelley for sharing their stories on the night. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for photos from the evening!
GOTAFE is holding the Shepparton graduation ceremony at the GV Hotel on Wednesday, March 22.