Alyssa's nursing journey of care and connection

For Alyssa Borg, caring for others has always come naturally. Warm, bubbly and deeply empathetic, she’s the kind of person who checks in, lends a hand and makes sure everyone feels looked after. So, when it came time to choose a career, nursing was an easy decision.

“I genuinely love caring for people,” Alyssa said. 

“I’ve always valued the health and wellbeing of my family and friends. I saw myself in a role that could provide comfort, compassion and support – and nursing is exactly that.”

Now studying a Bachelor of Nursing at ACU Blacktown, Alyssa is turning that natural compassion into a profession built on skill, empathy and purpose.

Finding community at Blacktown

It was more than just the course content that attracted Alyssa to ACU – it was about finding a place that felt like home.

“I was really drawn to ACU’s sense of community and support,” Alyssa said. 

“When I was in Year 12 applying for universities, the idea of studying somewhere that valued care and connection really stood out. I applied for an early offer, and when I was accepted, I knew I’d made the right choice.”

From her first semester, Alyssa felt part of something bigger – a campus that encouraged learning, friendship and growth.

“The tutors are incredible. They’re approachable, insightful and genuinely want to see you succeed,” she said.

“If you ever need help, there’s always someone to turn to – whether it’s your lecturers or the AskACU team. That kind of support makes such a difference when you’re balancing study and placements.

“The Blacktown Campus itself has everything you need to thrive. The nursing labs and library are amazing – such valuable and safe spaces to study and practise our skills.

“And the camaraderie on campus is so lovely. You’re surrounded by people who care about the same things you do, which makes studying even more rewarding.”

Experiencing the eternal city

One of Alyssa’s standout moments at ACU was travelling overseas to study the university core curriculum unit UNCC300 at the ACU Rome Campus – an experience she calls “life-changing”.

“Rome was truly incredible,” she said. 

“It was two weeks of learning, travel, friendship and the fondest memories. We were surrounded by like-minded students who were eager to explore, learn and grow together.”

The program gives students a chance to connect global citizenship and ethics with real-world experiences, all while immersing themselves in Rome’s rich history and culture.

“The coordination and planning by our lecturer Dr Zachariah Duke was amazing,” Alyssa said.

“We had time for tutorials and assignments, but also opportunities to experience the culture and history of the city with our incredible local guide, Dr Camilla Russell. Every day was something new and exciting.”

A highlight of the trip for Alyssa was visiting the United Nations World Food Programme headquarters. 

“It was such an eye-opening experience,” she said.

“We toured the facility, saw a Nobel Prize, and learned about their global efforts to fight hunger. We were also encouraged to ask questions and have discussions about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which really connected what we’d been studying with what’s happening in the world.”

That experience, Alyssa said, deepened her understanding of what it means to care – not just for individuals, but for communities and the planet. 

“It made me realise that nursing is part of a bigger picture. It’s about service, advocacy and justice – caring for people in every sense.”

A future built on care

Alyssa says her time at ACU – both at Blacktown and in Rome – has shaped the kind of nurse she wants to be.

“ACU has given me the tools to be a considerate, committed and confident nurse,” she said.

“It’s taught me the value of service and the importance of improving the lives of others. I’ve learned to think about the social, cultural and environmental factors that affect patients, and to be an advocate for peace and justice in health care.”

Looking ahead, Alyssa is excited to begin her career as a registered nurse, ready to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“I feel very blessed that my future work will touch the lives of so many people. Through education and compassionate care, I hope to empower my patients and help improve their wellbeing,” she said.

Her advice to new students is simple.

“Say yes to every opportunity. You’ll grow so much academically and personally – and you never know where it might take you. For me, it took me all the way to Rome.”

Want an experience like Alyssa’s? Explore ACU.