Dana Colbourne – Midwife and Teacher
Hi, my name is Dana Colbourne, and I am a registered midwife and teacher who is passionate about education, in particular working directly with students who have a vision to join healthcare or are undergoing their midwifery training. I completely understand how hard it is to take a career change and/or start again, especially when you do not have the required qualifications that are so often needed in undertaking courses at university. However, there is always a way, and with a little bit of self-belief, support and hard work dreams really can come true.
My story is probably like some of yours, in the fact that I did not achieve the grades from my secondary school education, in fact I left school without a single GCSE! At 17 years old I joined the Royal Navy after passing an entrance test and spent a further 10 years sailing around the world, meeting incredible people, learning life skills and making fantastic memories, but something was missing, the dream! I had always dreamt of being in the medical profession and as a little girl I often dressed up as a nurse whilst caring for my dolls, but because I did not have the required GCSEs, I failed to pursue my dream until I turned 28 years old, I was scared to fail.
After seeing my best friend have her baby it reignited the passion in me to fulfil my dream but not as a nurse but as a midwife. I was truly fascinated of what I saw, how the midwife supported my friend and all the elements needed to help women birth their babies safely. It was an incredible experience, and I am for ever grateful to my friend for allowing me to be present and witnessing a truly precious moment in her and her family’s life. Now the hard part, I needed to find the courage to gain the GCSEs (English and Maths) as well as undertake an access course to higher education to hopefully win a place at university to study midwifery, it felt daunting but what did I have to lose!
In 2000 I took the plunge and joined a local college to take GCSEs and an access course, and never looked back. I absolutely loved my access course which allowed me to grow and shine. My tutors were fabulous, supportive and encouraged me to be the best I could be. I learnt about society, psychology, biology, nursing and midwifery. I made new friendships that I still have today and most of all I gained confidence and self believe that I could achieve, in which I certainly did, GCSEs in Maths and English, a distinction on my access course and a place at university to study midwifery.
Fast forward 21 years later and I am fortunate enough to still do the things I love. I currently practice clinically as a registered midwife looking after women post birth whilst supporting a student led clinic, facilitating learning in the clinical environment, as well as teaching midwifery at university. I also now have the pleasure working in partnership with the students at Access Courses Online, hopefully giving back to what I once had with my college tutors at the beginning of my journey into the midwifery profession. So, I say to you all, don’t keep waiting, seize the moment and opportunities that are around you, don’t be your own barrier and in return I/ we at Access Courses Online promise to support and enthuse you on your journey. Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you.
Best Wishes
Dana
Access to HE (Midwifery)Tutor
Access Courses Online