When choosing a career, Hannah’s decision came down to two options: vet nursing or midwifery. She opted for the latter, and has never looked back.

“To get into the Bachelor of Midwifery programme, I did a pre-entry certificate in Health, which I was able to do via distance while I was working,” she explains. “It totally set me up, and prepared me for the demands of the degree.”

Based in Central Otago, distance learning was the ideal option for Hannah. She had weekly face-to-face meetings with her class and then went to Dunedin for block courses. “It’s important to be organised when you’re studying via distance,” she says. “I know people say that all the time, but I honestly think it is essential when doing a degree online.”

Hannah’s tutor at the Central Otago satellite really impressed her. “She was available to answer any questions I had, and was full of knowledge. Her background was rural midwifery, which is where my passion is – so it was great to learn from her.”

During her degree, Hannah was fortunate enough to do a four-week placement in Vanuatu. “It was amazing, and really eye-opening to see another country’s perspective on pregnancy and childbirth,” she says. “It makes you really thankful for what we have in New Zealand.”

Hannah, who now works as a midwife at Wellington hospital, is passionate about her career. “The thing I find most rewarding about being a midwife is being part of the journey for the families I work with. It’s such a special part of their life.”