Genevieve Dally grew up in Wellington before moving to Melbourne with her family when she was 10.

Coming from a long line of nurses (five generations!) she knew that nursing is an extremely worthwhile occupation.

Genevieve chose Otago Polytechnic because it’s a “well-respected institute with a very practical approach” and has never regretted her decision.

“I found that the lecturers were so passionate. They encouraged us to strive for excellence and set our sights high and that’s exactly what I have done.

“I currently work for the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Darwin. This is a service that offers forensic medical intervention, medical services and counselling to people that have experienced a recent or historical assault. I have worked in sexual health ever since my placement at the Dunedin Sexual Health Service in my final year of study.

“Since graduating my career has had a number of highlights. I produced a paper about the changes to the national Cervical Screening programme and the impact on women’s sexual and reproductive health. I spoke at two national conferences and received a new researcher’s prize from the Australian Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society for my work. I also completed a Masters of Public Health and am currently undertaking a Masters of Business which I expect to complete in the next 12 months. Eventually I would like to be the Managing Director of a large sexual and reproductive health service.

“I feel honoured to have been given these opportunities and it would not have happened without undertaking my studies at Otago Polytechnic.”