19/08/2026
Meet Amy Waguthii Kamanja, a third year Bachelor of Nursing student studying here in Mildura 🩺
For Amy, nursing brings together a lifelong admiration for healthcare, a love of anatomy and the opportunity to care for people when they need it most.
“I like to think of myself as an empathetic and kind person. I’ve always revered people in the healthcare profession, and that coupled with my love for anatomy drove me to consider healthcare after high school. Being there for someone at their most vulnerable moments, when everything else comes to a standstill, is genuinely beautiful and that’s what nursing is about. I wanted to be a part of that beauty.”
While Mildura wasn’t initially somewhere Amy knew much about, it didn’t take long for the community to win her over.
“I will be honest; I wasn’t exactly acquainted with Mildura. I sort of just landed here. Then the people and the atmosphere treated me well and I decided to stay. It’s agriculturally rich and the genuine sense of connection and community makes it feel like home away from home.”
When it comes to what she has enjoyed most about studying nursing, Amy says: “Everything.”
“I have satisfied my curiosity of the mechanisms of the human body, I have grown to appreciate the profession and the industry even more, and more than anything, I have engaged with lecturers who have supported me and equipped me with the necessary skills to become a competent, curious, compassionate and kind Nurse.”
Throughout her studies, it’s the people and experiences along the way that have helped Amy become the nurse she wants to be.
“As a collective, these moments include the interactions with my preceptors on placement, seeing everyone jump to action on patient care and during active codes, and the debrief sessions with my educators and lecturers. These moments have empowered me to become exactly the nurse I want to be, compassionate, competent and confident.”
Outside of nursing, Amy is involved with the LTSA, helping to build connection and support student life on campus.
“We really just want students to have an easy time on campus through events, food relief and advocacy. I like to think of the LTSA as this fun, appreciative and wonderful space where I let my personality shine through. It’s honestly amazing knowing that you have been part of the necessary changes and improvements on campus. If you want someone to talk to, “we listen and don’t judge”, and we’ll give you a free coffee while at it 😏.”
And her advice for other international students considering nursing or making the move to a regional community like Mildura?
“Pack your bags, and don’t pack light! You’ll be here for a long time not just a good time . 😊”
