Connected Conversations | Jessica Park
When the path of medical research was the wrong fit, President of the Adelaide Nursing Students’ Society (ANSS), Jessica Park, found her calling in clinical nursing. Now, as she looks to complete her postgraduate studies, Jessica couldn’t be more excited to see what else life will bring her.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi! My name is Jessica Park and I’m currently in my last year of the Master of Clinical Nursing at the University of Adelaide. I continued into postgraduate studies, specifically into nursing after completing the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences majoring in Medical Science. After completion of placement during my first degree, I discovered the path of research was not for me; however, medical sciences, human anatomy and physiology were intriguing and the idea of applying the theory and putting that into clinical practice was very appealing. That’s where my nursing journey began!
I’ve fallen absolutely in love with nursing and, throughout my postgraduate studies, I’ve tried to get myself involved in extracurricular activities that will complement me when applying for graduate positions. Therefore, in 2020, I was the First Year Masters Representative for the Adelaide Nursing Students’ Society (ANSS), and, for 2021, I was elected the President. I anticipate my volunteering will not only help with my skill development, but I hope to uphold the expectations of the nursing students and make a positive difference. Throughout my university studies, I have also been studying at night for four years to reach my ultimate goal of becoming a NAATI Certified Auslan Interpreter (Australian Sign Language) which I believe will be of great use when working in the clinical environment. Overall, I am a bubbly people person and eager to make a difference and have a positive impact in the world of nursing. I cannot wait to enter this rewarding field!
What has been your journey to get where you are today?
I’m not going to lie; it has been a very rocky road and I can imagine many would say the same. We go through schooling with not a lot of experience of the real world and yet we are expected to make a decision about what we want to do for the next 30-40 years of our lives. I’ve made some deviations, but I think having that uncertainty and going along the road discovering things about myself that I am made for, and that I’m not made for has helped shape me. My advice would be: ‘Don’t be afraid to try things out’! If you enter a degree and find it’s not for you, don’t beat yourself up about it! Try something else.
Why did you choose the University of Adelaide for your studies?
I chose the University of Adelaide back in 2016 for my undergraduate degree as I know Adelaide upholds a great reputation. I know some students from other universities who studied the same degree and yet I believe I gained more from studying at Adelaide. In terms of my postgraduate studies, I know Adelaide Nursing School is ranked the 1st in SA for graduate employment, therefore I continued my studies at the same university in hopes it would benefit me in the future.
What do you love most about studying at the University of Adelaide?
Wow, where do I start? I honestly love so much about studying at Adelaide. I am lucky to study in the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences (AHMS) building with the latest technology. It makes attending clinical skill labs an amazing experience. I love the lecturers, students, it’s just an amazing place to study. The best part of my degree would not only be finding something I absolutely love studying, but also meeting all my classmates. Our cohort really feels like a family and it’s so comforting to feel you’re not going through your degree alone.
Do you feel that now is a great time to be studying for a career in health?
Studying nursing during a global pandemic was definitely not something I could have predicted. I’m sure this may have concerned some students, but I say it’s the best time to be studying for a career in health. I feel, as a nurse, you’ve got to roll with the punches and deal with whatever challenges come your way.
What are the top three most defining moments of the past year for you?
1. I think starting my nursing degree has put me in a better headspace and it’s made me very happy
2. Placement has been a defining moment. I had one placement last year which solidified the fact that I’m in the right degree, and, earlier this year, I was on placement at an SA prison which was a very intriguing experience to say the least.
3. Joining the ANSS and meeting some wonderful people in the society, and in my degree
What are the top three things you’re looking forward to this year?
1. Finally graduating!
2. Being President of the ANSS
3. Completing my Adelaide Graduate Award
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I get spare time, I love to relax and chill. Life can get a bit hectic with full-time study and work, so taking time to relax and rejuvenate is important to me. Although I love meeting up with friends, and on the odd occasion going out to town to experience the nightlife.
Which destination is at the top of your list of places to go when international travel returns to normal?
I’ve never actually travelled overseas (unless Tasmania counts) so my plan was to travel to the USA when I completed my university studies as a celebration. However, COVID has thrown a spanner in the works. But, looking on the bright side, I can travel and experience what the beautiful country we live in has to offer.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 10 years?
If you asked me this question 10 years ago, I probably would have answered completely different. I dare say it would be the same for the next 10 years. In reality, I’d love to be working as a nurse in a challenging but rewarding environment, and as an emergency Auslan interpreter. But I’m excited to see where life takes me.