Today we want to celebrate Alumna Dechen Lama (class of 2016) achieving an ambitious goal she set for herself as a young girl living in the Himalayan region of Nepal: to become a registered nurse. Growing up in a remote village in the mountains, Dechen saw first-hand the toll a lack of healthcare had on communities, and she was determined to make a difference.

Despite few girls receiving education in her village, the advocacy and encouragement of her uncle saw Dechen enrolled in a boarding school in Kathmandu, a week-long trek from her home. While in boarding school, Dechen met a group of Australians visiting her school and became friends with Lynne and Daren Mitchell who changed her life, and in time became like second parents.

The Mitchells offered to sponsor Dechen to complete her studies in Australia, and worked with SPCC who were able to offer a full scholarship.

This led to the 10,000km journey to complete Year 11 and 12 at SPCC Newcastle. Dechen shared with us her experience of studying on the other side of the world, and the journey she has been on to achieve her dreams since graduation.     

Name: Dechen Lama

I’m currently… a graduated Registered Nurse!

I was at SPCC Newcastle from…2015 - 2016

What was it like starting at SPCC as an international student? It was a huge cultural shock most days. At first I was really anxious, and nervous I wouldn’t get along. But everyone was so nice and helpful, and I was so thankful for the opportunity.

The biggest change for me starting at SPCC was…the learning style itself! In Nepal learning was all about memorising, not creative and critical thinking. The other huge change was the technology – all the students having their own laptops and being so fast with the technology.

My best experience at school was…the opportunity to try things I never had. This included subjects, but also activities like rock climbing and abseiling.

The staff member who most impacted me was…all the staff were amazing. But my Biology teacher Mrs Horsley had a particularly big impact. She was very kind to me and took me to the zoo and the Hunter Valley Gardens for the first time.

My greatest challenge during my time at SPCC was…just a few months after I came to Australia, there was a devastating earthquake and landslide in Nepal. Thousands of people died and millions became homeless. All the roads to my village were cut off. My village didn’t have internet and it took days to find out how my family were. All I wanted to do was go straight back home. I am thankful I had the Mitchells, the church and the College supporting me. It was a very difficult time.

I never dreamed I would…have the chance to drive! When I arrived, I couldn’t believe there were students here – especially female students – driving! It was a huge shock to me. No one in my family had ever driven, so the chance to get my license was amazing.

Since graduating, I…worked in Aged Care to learn the industry and save money for nursing degree because the tuition fee for international student is very high. I loved working in Aged Care, but when I completed a Diploma in Community Service I joined Mission Australia as a Youth Worker. While working as a Youth Worker I finished my Bachelor of Nursing, and have now been offered a role as Registered Nurse at Concord Hospital.

Today I am motivated by…the opportunity I have been given to make a difference. If I was in Nepal, there is no way I would have been able to become a nurse. The salary I would receive from working full time in Nepal would never be able to support my studies. But in Australia, I have been able to work to pay for my studies, and have enough to financially support my family.

The biggest influence in my life is…My Uncle who is a Buddhist monk and the Mitchell family. They always encourage me and give me advice. They encourage me not to give up.

I am most proud of…How far I have come. In my career, in getting my Permanent Residency this year.

In the future, I would like to… gain experience as a nurse and then pursue midwifery qualifications before returning to Nepal. I want to provide health care support in the mountains and provide health care training and first aid training.  Where I grew up there was one small clinic, often unstaffed, for 300-400 people. In winter it was often closed. People are not as educated in health care or use traditional medicine. When I was growing up I had wished there had been someone in my village to provide health care.

The best piece of advice I have received is…never give up.