Where are they now?

JESS GARD

Jess was at Heathmont College from 2001-2005. She finished a year earlier than what she should have as she went from year 9 straight into the VCAL program which meant she skipped year 10. Jess is now an intensive care nurse. After completing the VCAL program she went on to do her Diploma of Nursing where she worked on various wards at the Austin Hospital. 5 or so years later she went on to do my Bachelor of Nursing and moved to Darwin to complete my Graduate year working in intensive care. After 2 years working there, she moved to Cairns and worked in their ICU for about two years. About 3-4 years ago, she moved back to Melbourne and just completed her Post Graduate studies in Intensive Care.

Jess says the VCAL program was a complete game changer for her. It changed the course of her life and was instrumental in getting her to where she is now and for that she will be forever grateful.

Jess says her proudest achievement at school would be winning the First Year Trainee of the year award and the Prime Ministers Award for skills excellence. One would think she was always a high achiever, but as she remembers, prior to that the only award she won were occasional detentions. 

Her favourite memory would be the Northern Territory trip that she went on. She was lucky enough to take a joy flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa as the sun was setting. The changes in colour of the landscape as the sun was setting was absolutely stunning and completely breathe taking. Still to this day it's one of the best things she has ever done.

Compiled by Jeanette Barton