Karina is building a brighter future with sonography
As a single mum of three juggling study, work and family life, Karina Potter knows a thing or two about resilience.
The 34-year-old second-year Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography student is building a new career while balancing a busy family schedule, part-time work in hospitality and the demands of one of Australia's most intensive allied health degrees.
When Karina Potter rushes from school drop-off to a sonography lab at CQUniversity's Mackay Ooralea campus, she's already packed a full day into her morning.
"It can be a bit chaotic," Karina admits.
"But it's only a couple of years to go."
For Karina, returning to study was not part of a long-term plan.
After the end of her marriage and a business partnership, she found herself at a crossroads.
"I could continue working in hospitality, or consider going to university," she said.
For Karina, it was an opportunity to start over and pursue a career she had long been curious about.
That led her to CQUniversity's Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS), a fee-free university preparation course designed to build confidence and develop the academic skills needed for higher education.
Having been away from study for many years, Karina said the program helped her rediscover skills she hadn't used since school.
"It taught me how to write academically again, how to reference properly and even how to think differently about studying," she said.
"When you've been out of education for a long time, you don't realise how much you've forgotten."
She now recommends the program to anyone considering university, particularly mature-age students who may be uncertain about taking the first step.
Karina's interest in sonography began long before she stepped onto a university campus.
During her own pregnancies, she became fascinated by the technology behind ultrasound scans, and the role sonographers play in supporting patients.
"I always found it really interesting whenever I had pregnancy scans," she said.
Now learning those same skills herself, she has developed an even greater appreciation for the profession.
"There's so much problem-solving involved," she said.
"You have to understand what you're looking at, adapt to every patient and constantly think about why something does or doesn't look right. It's challenging, but that's also what makes it interesting."
The Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography prepares students for careers using advanced ultrasound technology to help diagnose medical conditions and support patient care. Graduates may work in public and private hospitals, clinics and specialised diagnostic imaging services.
While the course is demanding, Karina credits her support network, including her children, former husband, mother, classmates and teaching staff, with helping her stay on track.
"We've got a really supportive cohort," she said.
"Everyone helps each other out because we're all trying to get through the same thing. We spend so much time together that we've become quite close."
She said returning to study later in life had also taught her the value of accepting help when she needed it.
While she jokes about being the oldest student in her Mackay cohort, Karina believes returning to university later in life has given her valuable perspective.
"We're all just getting through it," she said.
"It's a hard degree, but it's achievable. You've just got to put the work in."
She said being a mature-age student had shown her that everyone brings different strengths, regardless of age or background.
For Karina, one of the most exciting aspects of the profession is the opportunity to support women's health.
Having experienced pregnancy scans herself, she understands how uncertain and emotional those moments can be for patients.
With growing advances in areas such as endometriosis diagnosis and obstetric imaging, she is eager to be part of a rapidly evolving field.
"It's exciting because the technology is always changing and improving," she said.
"I've had three babies and all those scans myself, so I know how nerve-wracking it can be.
"You can be that calm presence for someone during an important moment in their life."
For Karina, every completed assessment and every finished unit is another step towards the future she is building for herself and her children.
As she looks ahead to a future career in sonography, Karina has a simple message for other parents and mature-age students considering university.
"It's never too late to try something new," she said.
"Don't think you're too old or that you've missed your chance.
"If it's something you really want to do, just start."
It's never too late to start something new. Learn more about CQUniversity's STEPS pathway program and the Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography.
