A student’s life ambition to work as a midwife was fulfilled after she graduated from Bangor University recently.
Laura Thomas, 21, from Rhewl Mostyn, Flintshire, graduated with a BMd midwifery degree, and now works for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
The former Ysgol Treffynnon pupil had dreamt of becoming a midwife since a very early age. Laura was inspired by her godmother’s passion and enthusiasm as a midwife, which stemmed her interest in pursuing this career path.
Laura explains: “I applied to Bangor University to study midwifery whilst studying my a-levels and was lucky enough to get a place on the course straight from high school.
“Throughout my studies I was a member of the Bangor Student Midwife Society, elected social secretary in my second year, and chair in my third. This experience helped me to build confidence and gain valuable experience of organising study days, conferences and fundraising events.
“At the beginning of my second year, I wanted to leave the course as the workload and long shifts created huge anxiety. With help from university staff, fellow students, family and friends, I stuck at it and now I’m here, graduating because I persevered and completed it.
Watch: What the NHS means to me
“One of the highlights of my course was being on work placement. I loved being able to have hands-on experience of caring for women and their families, watching them bloom as a new family in a life-changing experience, but also being able to provide help and support to them when it was most needed.”
In May, Laura won the Student Nursing Times Student Midwife of the Year Award which highlights excellence in all specialities of student nursing. She has also been invited to join the 2019 awards panel.
