Mum's amazing transformation from salon to hospital ward

A former hairdresser who used to cut and colour hair is now taking people’s blood pressure in hospital after successfully completing her degree.

Liberty Leigh from Deagon was one of 121 graduates who proudly crossed the stage in her academic cap and gown at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s (USC) first ever graduation ceremony, which was held at the Moreton Bay campus on April 2.

The 28-year-old received her degree in Nursing Science, and a University Commendation for Academic Excellence for her impressive grade point average of 6.37 (out of a perfect 7).

Liberty, who studied at the USC Caboolture campus, said it was an amazing experience to receive her Bachelor of Nursing Science in front of her family and friends.

“I left St Rita’s College in Grade 12 to be a hairdresser and worked as one for seven years,” Liberty says.

“When I went on maternity leave to have my daughter, I decided I wanted to do something in a health setting that also contributed to helping people.”

Liberty is now working as a graduate nurse in a general medical ward at The Prince Charles Hospital.

Reinventing herself

Having worked as a hairdresser for seven years, Liberty was nervous about returning back to the books, but it was a decision she does not regret.

“I always thought I wasn’t smart enough to succeed at university. But I decided to give it a go,” Liberty says.

“I chose USC because I wanted a smaller university where I could be more in touch with tutors and peers.

“I completed my degree over four years, taking one semester off to have my son and continuing to work as an Assistant in Nursing throughout my studies.

“Managing a household, children, work and studies had its challenges but I was able to maintain good grades because I really enjoyed the content I was studying. And, of course, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of my family.”