Eva's winning ways with people pay off
5 May 2004
An incredible enthusiasm for her chosen field of blood collection contributed to Kangan Batman TAFE student Eva Mazzei winning her Gold Medallion at the 2004 Graduation Awards for Social and Applied Sciences.
Eva, from Westmeadows, who studied the Certificate IV in Pathology Collection at Moreland campus, has also paved the way for future students by impressing her practical placement employers so much that they not only had offered her a job but are now more than willing to accept students from Kangan Batman TAFE.
Previously Gribbles Pathology had been hesitant about placing students of any course in their workplace for practical training. However, they were so impressed with Eva's high standard of professionalism and skills they are now happy to have more Kangan Batman TAFE students in their workplace.
For Eva, however it was a change in career that has led to her award winning ways. Previously working from home in the family business as a bookkeeper, Eva felt she needed to get out more and decided a career helping people was for her. She had also previously assisted as a volunteer at Moreland Hall with massage for those under de-toxification programs and as a teacher's aide for disabled children.
Overcoming a huge fear of talking in front of people was a hurdle for Eva that she soon learnt to deal with. "Communication is vital for this job, you have to be able to put people at ease when taking blood, and I soon gained confidence with support from my teachers," said Eva. In fact she gained so much confidence that the other students often turned to Eva for assistance.
Eva said she found the theory she learnt in class all came together when faced with practical placement in the workplace. "Everything made sense, the skills we learnt in class all translated easily into the work environment."
"TAFE teachers are more hands-on, they explain a lot more, there is more interaction and you really feel confident about what you are learning," explained Eva. When offered the job by Gribbles, Eva had already gained employment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and is planning to study for a Division 2 in Nursing next year.
Two outstanding students at Kangan Batman TAFE tied for the Gold Medal award this year. The other winner was Amanda Kimber from Community Services who studied child care.
Kangan Batman TAFE has 24,000 students across its seven campuses in Broadmeadows, Moreland, Richmond, Craigieburn, Coburg, Avondale Heights and Essendon.
Each year in May, Kangan Batman TAFE conducts two graduation ceremonies at the Moonee Valley Racecourse to accommodate all of its graduates and award-winning students.
The first ceremony, at which Eva will receive her award, will be held on Friday 7 May 2004. Hume City Council is major sponsor of the ceremony, while the Broadmeadows Town Centre is supporting sponsor.
