Gemmery Diamanti – BSc Adult Nursing
Having always had a passion for learning, Gemmery knew she wanted to pursue a professional qualification. Her family were really encouraging and believed in the value of formal education, as did she. After secondary school, studied biology at an Italian university before deciding it wasn’t quite right for her.
A gap year beckoned, and Gemmery headed to Scotland to learn English. As her English improved, and her love for the North East grew, Gemmery decided to apply to the North East Scotland College, where she studied a HND in Sports Coaching & Development. She was eager to make her mark in the sports industry but with the onset of the pandemic, it was difficult to find a job in the sector, and instead she became a healthcare support worker.
Whilst she felt fulfilled, making a difference as a healthcare support worker, Gemmery wanted to do more.
“My desire to help others, especially in times of greatest need, led me back to my roots. I decided to pursue a career in nursing. This would allow me to blend my passion for helping people with my professional aspirations, and I was excited about the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who needed it most.”
“The nursing course at RGU appealed because of my passion for helping others and making a positive impact on their lives. I wanted to work in a dynamic and challenging field where I could combine my interest in healthcare with my desire to support and care for people in need. The practical and hands-on nature of nursing, along with the chance to continuously learn and grow in a rewarding profession, further solidified my decision to pursue this path.”
Having successfully passed an English proficiency test to qualify, Gemmery applied to study a BSc Adult Nursing at RGU. It’s a decision she’s not regretted.
Along with making lifelong friends, Gemmery has played basketball and volleyball for the university where she has had the honour of serving as captain. Her basketball team made it into Division One, which is the top league in Scotland at university level. She’s now hoping to coach young people across the city in her free time, and to draw on the skills from her sports coaching qualification.
During her studies, Gemmery became a Student Ambassador which gave her a deep sense of fulfilment and thanks to this role, she was interviewed by the BBC and had the pleasure of meeting the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care.
“Academically, I’ve surpassed my expectations. This is particularly meaningful given that English is not my first language. Many people underestimate the challenges foreign students face when studying in a language that is not their own. Despite this, I have excelled and achieved results that I am truly proud of.
“I’ve had fantastic experiences on all my nursing placements. In my second year, I went to Shetland and in third year, I went to Orkney, where I made lifelong friendships and became a part of the island community. Experiencing life as a student on the Scottish islands was truly unique and enriching. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, make meaningful connections, and enjoy the breath-taking sights these beautiful islands have to offer.”
In her final year, Gemmery also joined a peer support group which gave her a valuable insight into the importance of mental health among students and reinforced her commitment to advocate for mental health awareness and support in educational settings.
Now that Gemmery's graduating, she’s already secured her first job in the recovery unit at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital which she’s loving! She has ambitions to train further, so that she can ultimately become a Surgical First Assistant.
“My time at RGU has thoroughly prepared me for the next step on my career ladder. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experiences have given me with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
“The support from faculty and the diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth have equipped me with the confidence and competence to excel in my chosen field. Additionally, my roles as a student ambassador and all the extracurricular activities I’ve done, have honed my leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, all of which are essential for a successful career in nursing. I’m really looking forward to embarking on my career and owe much of my success to the solid foundation I’ve had at RGU.”