A mother and son have crossed the stage at Curtin University’s graduation ceremonies this week, marking a memorable family milestone and a multi-generational reminder of the transformative power of education.
Career midwife and mother-of-three Nicole Freeman graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing and Midwifery) in the same week her 22-year-old son, Oliver, achieved a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Finance).
Dr Freeman, who returned to Curtin following three decades as a midwife and after completing her Master of Midwifery in 2002, continues to work as a midwife in clinical practice at King Edward Memorial Hospital while also working as a research fellow alongside her PhD supervisor and Professor of Midwifery Zoe Bradfield.
And even though her PhD exploring the care midwives provide to women experiencing early pregnancy complications such as miscarriage has come to an end, Dr Freeman’s learning journey is far from over with plans for more study next year that will enable her to apply for registration as an endorsed midwife in Australia.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated the Freeman family on their special milestone.
“Education has the power to transform lives at every stage, giving people the power to change lives, build their confidence and create new possibilities,” Professor Hayne said.
“Nicole and Oliver’s graduation story is a wonderful reminder that learning does not end at a particular age or milestone – it is a lifelong journey that can shape families, professions and communities.”
Dr Freeman, aged 56, said she was filled with pride to see her oldest child graduate in the same week as her.
“The last time I graduated from Curtin, Oliver was not even born,” she said. “His graduation this week is more important to me than my own – as a parent I am beyond impressed with his achievements. My husband and I watched him cross the stage with such happiness and pride.
“I am a really strong believer in education but understand that many people face significant barriers to tertiary education in particular, so I’d encourage anyone to seek advice on how you can be supported to study, even if it is only part time. Find something you enjoy and ask for lots of help. Curtin is full of knowledgeable people who are so ready to help you and I am so grateful for the support I’ve received to juggle working and family life with my PhD.”
Oliver said it was “extra meaningful” to be graduating at the same as his mum, adding he was already working within the legal workforce as a graduate at a commercial and litigation firm.
“Graduation is both the beginning and the end. It is the end of my formal education journey, and my five years at Curtin and the recognition of the hard work and continued dedication that I have put into my studies over the years,” he said.
“However, it also marks a new beginning as I enter the workforce. Working in the legal profession will continue to educate me and allow me to put my university training into practice.
“If you’re looking for change, don’t wait for it to find you – go after it. Growth rarely comes from staying comfortable and the opportunities that shape your future often begin with taking a chance on something new. It can be intimidating to step outside your comfort zone but every worthwhile journey starts with a decision. If you want the future to look different, make today look different.”
Dr Freeman’s PhD was supported by the Western Australian Government’s Future Health and Research Innovation Fund through the Clinician Researcher Scholarship in partnership with Curtin University and the North Metropolitan Health Service, supporting her to study full-time from 2023 and providing opportunities to study, work and travel within Australia and internationally for publications and conferences.
For more information about Curtin’s graduation ceremonies, visit here.
