Bonnie McLean was planning her wedding and searching for her first job after graduating with a Communication degree from the University of the Sunshine Coast. Then a breast cancer diagnosis shattered her plans and reshaped her future.
Eight years on, Bonnie has returned to UniSC’s Gympie campus, this time to pursue a second degree – driven to become an oncology nurse and support others through their own cancer battles.
“That cancer diagnosis threw my life up in the air,” Bonnie says. “It was a complete shock. I was only 26 years old, had just finished my degree, was planning my future in marketing, and I was about to get married.”
What followed was a whirlwind of high and lows as Bonnie went through cancer treatment and then into remission.
She and her partner navigated the challenges of holding a wedding in the middle of COVID restrictions. And amid all the upheaval, they received the best news of all – Bonnie had fallen pregnant.
Just as she was settling into life as a new mother came another heartbreaking setback.
“My daughter was only four months old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time. So, I went through it all again.”
Amid the shock, the gruelling treatments and uncertainty, there were unexpected highlights. Chiefly, the close bonds formed with her oncology team and breast care nurses.
“The teams that took care of me were just amazing. They basically became almost part of my family.”
And as Bonnie focused on her recovery and her future, her care team also became the inspiration for a life-changing epiphany.
“As I went through what seemed like endless rounds of operation, chemo, radiation and hospital and outpatient centre visits, I realised a goal I really wanted to achieve after my treatment – become an oncology nurse or breast care nurse.
Her calling, it turns out, had been quietly waiting for the right moment.
“It’s funny because back when I was deciding on which degree to study after leaving school and travelling overseas for a few years, I always thought I would like to do nursing. My mum has always worked in aged care, so it was a world I knew.
“But I was a just too scared to try it, so I went a different route, first enrolling in a Business degree and then switching to Communication and Marketing.
But after braving storms she never expected, Bonnie found the strength to overcome the self-doubt that had once held her back.
“After everything I went through with cancer – and the incredible, inspiring care I received – I felt I owed it to myself to give nursing a go.
“I finished my second round of treatment, had another baby and then here we are – I’ve started a full-time nursing degree, all while caring for a four-year-old and an almost 10-month-old.”
Bonnie expects her lived experience will help to bring a depth of understanding and empathy to her studies – and eventually, to her role as a nurse – that’s hard to quantify.
“I know I’ll have a different perspective than what many others my age. I've been the patient. I’ve gone through chemo and radiation. I know how horrible, how hard and isolating going through a major health crisis can be.
“I also know how important it is to have nurses around you that listen, advocate for you, build strong relationships with you, and go above and beyond to make sure you receive the best possible care.”
Back to where it began
“Overwhelming, but exciting” is how Bonnie describes returning to university 13 years after being among the foundation year of students when UniSC’s first opened its Gympie campus in 2013.
“I love the Gympie campus because it’s smaller, you get to know everyone, and it has such a friendly vibe.
“I started with Tertiary Preparation Pathway, which gave me essential skills like referencing and research, and I believe really set me up to succeed in my Communication degree.
Now, she’s back for her third program at UniSC Gympie – and loving it.
“The nursing degree is completely different to anything I've ever done at university, particularly the lab work. I am really enjoying it.”
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au