Student Spotlight - Bella Cosgrove
At just 19 years old, Bella Cosgrove is already carving out a meaningful path toward a career in healthcare.
A second-year Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) student at GOTAFE Wangaratta, Bella studies part-time and will complete her course in a year.
Her journey with GOTAFE began when she enrolled in VCE-VM in Year 11.
“The teachers were really engaged and supportive - it was a completely different environment,” she recalls.
That support made a huge impact.
She briefly returned for a term of Year 12, but by July, she had already transitioned into the nursing diploma at GOTAFE, determined to follow her growing passion for healthcare.
“Nursing stood out to me around Year 10,” she says.
“It seemed like a stable career, and there was such a shortage of nurses - I knew I’d never be out of a job.
“Plus, it’s really rewarding.”
Now, Bella is learning about primary health care and has just completed the wound care unit.
She also works as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) in aged care, where she’s already applying her knowledge.
“At work, I hear the nurses talk and I actually understand what they mean - it’s really encouraging.”
Bella credits her success to the alternative pathways she chose.
VCE-VM offered her a more adult learning environment, and the support at GOTAFE has exceeded her expectations.
“The nursing teachers are really experienced - you can tell they know what they’re talking about.”
With guidance from her family and inspiration from her older sister, Bella found a path that works for her.
“It’s been really good,” she says.
“Working while studying gives me confidence and I’d definitely recommend alternative pathways.”