by Helen Zarocostas

Created on: February 14, 2007   Last Updated: November 14, 2009

Finding myself divorced, broke, and with no real qualifications at the age of forty was my big wake up call. I had to get a job so I could support my teenage sons but I didn't want to spend the rest of my life in something dead end, poorly paid and unfulfilling.

I applied for government assistance that was available to someone in my position willing to do a tertiary course. They helped with the rent and a small survival pension for the three years it would take for me to graduate. I chose nursing and it was so hard at first. All those years away from the school room and with only the sketchiest knowledge of science, biology and physics.

Still with the help of libraries and a lot of hard work, I made it through and with pretty impressive grades too.

I found tutors, sometimes people younger than myself, nearly always helpful and encouraging. In fact it was one of them that helped me to continue with my writing. Her positive comments on my assignments about my ability to write have stayed with me over the years as I struggle to perfect this art.

I must say that the years I spent nursing were some of the happiest of my life. I loved the job and made so many friends, had so many experiences and paid the bills as well. No one ever got wealthy financially as a nurse but I found a whole different type of wealth out there.

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