Learning is for Everyone
Obstacles no barrier to Michelle's success
 Despite being diagnosed with lupus six years ago at the age of 16, Michelle Twaddle has refused to let anything stand in the way of achieving her goals.
"Lupus is an auto-immune disease that has at times caused me incredible pain, but finishing year 12 and then an enrolled nursing diploma at TAFE was too important to let go. The only option was to soldier on."
These are incredible sentiments from someone who spent six months on chemotherapy, and many days in hospital during her TAFE studies.
"My lecturers at the Great Southern Regional College of TAFE in Albany were incredibly understanding. They allowed me to make up hours in my own time, and suggested I suspend the last six months of the course until I had finished chemotherapy," Michelle said.
"It is great. I was able to deal directly with my lecturers, although, I’m sure the Disability Officer would have liaised with my lecturers on my behalf if my needs were not being met."
Michelle has since completed her enrolled nursing course, is now in remission, has secured a full-time job at the local Path Centre, and was last year chosen to be an ambassador for Albany as ‘Miss Show Girl’.
"A lot of people over the last six years have tried to tell me I should give up and find a hobby at home, but I have proved them wrong. The last six months have been fantastic, and I have plenty more goals for the future."
For the time being, Michelle is still considering her options - either continue with registered nursing, or move into haematology and build on the experience already gained at the Path Centre.
"One thing for sure is that I know how it feels to be a patient in pain, and believe I would do a great job understanding and helping patients in similar situations."
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