Cathy overcomes health problems to achieve career dreams

WHEN Cathy Slater found her love of aged care in 2004, she knew it was the industry for her.

AGAINST THE ODDS: Cathy Slater, of Townsend, winner of North Coast TAFE student of the year award.

WHEN Cathy Slater found her love of aged care in 2004, she knew it was the industry for her.

However, before she was able to join the aged care industry, she started to have problems with her back.

"My back just got worse. It began to affect my ability to walk," Cathy said.

"I had to put off exploring the nursing option."

Her dreams of working in aged care were abandoned and she was put on the waiting list for surgery.

"I was on the waiting list for a year," Cathy said.

"It was a difficult surgery and I was in danger of losing my legs."

"With the support of her family, her slow road to recovery began.

"I had another year of trying to get back on my feet, literally," she said.

"It was very hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

"Getting out of that situation was difficult."

Although her assent was slow, she built up enough strength to pass the physical test required to take on a certificate three in aged care.

Cathy, 48, said there was modern equipment to help nurses lift and walk their clients, but they still needed their own stability and strength.

"Passing that physical was a huge thing for me," she said.

"But to finally come through and win that award was mind-blowing.

"I'm not the only student with a story however. I was with a group of talented and gifted people.

"Full credit to all other students who were recognised."

Cathy graduated from TAFE on November 8 and found employment at Dougherty Villa Maclean on November 20.

"I'm very proud of what Dougherty Villa does," Cathy said.

"My passion is working with people and doing things that improve their quality of life. You don't just go to work and come home.

"You become a part of someone's life in a positive way."

Cathy also wants to complete a bachelor of nursing.

Cathy also received the shared Community Services and Health Student of the Year award, which she shares with Abbey Browning from Ulmarra, who completed two certificates three in aged care and health services assistance at Macksville Campus.

Abbey also received an award of excellence, with her teacher acknowledging her "remarkable commitment and dedication".

She is studying her bachelor of nursing degree while working as a personal care assistant in an aged care facility at Ulmarra.

Institute director Elizabeth McGregor said the awards night celebrated the vocational dreams and achievements of many North Coast TAFE students.

Originally published as Cathy overcomes health problems to achieve career dreams