To remain updated in the field of Emergency Care as an Advanced Life Support Paramedic, Michelle Cook (46) decided to return to the Durban University of Technology to complete her Bachelor of Technology degree in Emergency Medical Care.

25 Years later, Cook will be graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award for her BTech in Emergency Medical Care. This is after she completed her National Diploma in Emergency Medical Care Rescue in 1996.

“Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and continually strive to achieve your best work. I enjoy being a Paramedic and want to remain updated and current in the profession,” said Cook.

As a Paramedic, Cook fully understands the hosting of the virtual ceremonies is safer than the physical contact graduation. She raised concerns that when people get together, especially on such celebratory occasions they tend not to adhere to the guidelines.

“We had to arrange online teaching for some of our class mates that are overseas. We organised a private class group on Youtube to facilitate access for all in our group. Our course requires completion of a practical portfolio which proved to be very challenging as due to COVID-19 we could not work as students in the hospital. We had to arrange extra shifts to complete the portfolio,” said Cook when speaking about the challenges she faced during her journey.

Cook plans to work as an operational paramedic to achieve more experience and perhaps complete her Master’s degree when feasible.

Advising students who want to follow in her footsteps, Cook encouraged them to remember that they are embarking on a career that affects the lives of people so they need to be sure that they are committed to helping others and be ready to uphold the values of the profession.

“This is not just a job but a calling. Your studies will be intense and ask a lot of you but every hardship endured will be worth it and help make you a capable, confident, empathetic Paramedic. Remain committed to achieving a successful future for yourself and become qualified in your career, every sacrifice will be worth it in the long run,” advised Cook.

Through her experience and opportunities, Cook has been fortunate to travel and work locally and abroad. She said one thing that has made a world of difference is having an internationally recognised and formidable educational title behind her name.

Pictured: Michelle Cook

Simangele Zuma