Each year on June 20, the World Health Organisation, together with UNHCR and the UN Refugee Agency acknowledges World Refugee Day - a day to celebrate and honour refugees around the world.
This year’s theme, ‘Solidarity with Refugees’, has been emphasised by the World Health Organisation as an opportunity to show the importance of building inclusive health systems and ensuring equitable care for refugees worldwide.
With that important theme in mind, we were grateful to sit down with University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Nursing student Shireen Maamo to ask her about her life, her journey, and the pursuit of her medical dreams.
Tell us about yourself and your journey?
My name is Shireen. I was born in Syria but due to the civil war, I couldn’t finish my studies and left Syria in 2013. I moved to Kurdistan in 2013 and was unfortunately unable to study there as well. In 2017, I moved to Australia and have lived in Toowoomba since. I am privileged to have my family here in Toowoomba with me. I am a certified interpreter in both my first and second language and am currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at UniSQ.
What made you want to pursue study after moving to Australia?
Since I was five, I wanted to study medicine and become a doctor, however my studying journey was disrupted because of the war in Syria. After arriving and settling in Australia, I decided to pursue my dream again as I have more open doors in this new country.
Why did you choose Nursing?
Nursing is an honourable career to pursue and becoming a nurse would be a significant life achievement for me. In my case, I chose Nursing as a pathway into studying medicine. I hope that studying nursing will equip me to start my journey to bring my dream back to life and become a doctor.
What is some advice you have for international students with a similar background to you who are thinking about studying?
I know it’s a cliché, but never give up. Becoming a refugee was not a ‘dream’ of mine or my first choice in life. Quite honestly, I don’t think it’s anyone’s first choice. I would be lying to myself if I was to say that I am grateful that I come from a refugee background - I am grateful, however, as to what this journey has taught me. It has made me a more resilient human and taught me that life in its different stages will always come with challenges. This journey has helped me become a more considerate, empathetic person, which is certainly enriching my nursing journey. If you ever find yourself on a similar path to mine, remember that studying any degree is going to be hard, but it’s all worth it at the end. Again, never give up!
What’s been some achievements you are most proud of so far?
Finishing my Pathway Programs and the first year of my nursing degree has certainly been a great accomplishment in my life. I am very proud of the hard work I put in my studies so far. I look forward to finishing my nursing degree and moving to studying medicine in the future.
Learn more about our Pathway Programs at the University of Southern Queensland.
