Luke Shepperd
Class of 2013
What year did you begin and graduate Navigator College?
I began my journey at Navigator College as a foundational Year 8 student in 2009, sitting on the floor with no desks or chairs and not having any sun shelter as the school opened and knowing absolutely no one. I graduated as part of “The Originals” Year 12 cohort in 2013.
What have you been up to since leaving Navigator College?
After leaving Navigator College, I moved to Adelaide and completed a Bachelor Degree of Nursing through Flinders University.
I began working in ICCU and General Medicine in 2017 and then moved to Changed Behaviours in 2018 caring for some of the most vulnerable older people within the state. This lead to me winning an SA Health Award in ‘translating research into practice’ in 2019 for improving health outcomes for older persons with Dementia.
Whilst working full time I completed an Honours Degree in Nursing in direct care staff perspectives on education and training in working with people with Dementia in residential aged care facilities.
I then went on to be an After Hours Nurse Lead at the Repat Health Precinct coordinating and assisting the wards as the hospital coordinator.
I then moved onto being a Nurse Consultant in Gerontology and opening the states first Specialist Dementia Care Unit in Adelaide with an experienced Aged Care Provider. It is now the top ranked site across the nations 32 other specialised units across Australia.
Last year I completed a Leading Clinician’s Programme within SA Health that only a select few staff are chosen each year. That was a great opportunity also.
What is your favourite memory at Navigator College?
I think my most favourite memory of Navigator College was the guidance and support from Fleur Slater (Art Teacher).
She throughout some of the tougher times during my schooling really helped me foster my own belief and drive within myself. I think having her as a teacher was one of the greatest privileges. I was always welcomed into her classroom with a smile and she made learning enjoyable. The lessons (of life) I learnt in her art classes were more transferable than mathematics and English (far more practical in the real world). Oh the Tree of knowledge is pretty cool too!
What is your biggest achievement so far?
I’d say my biggest achievement so far is proving to myself that I am capable of great things and have done them in a very short time since leaving school. My abilities were doubted in year 12 and I was determined to prove them wrong. If anyone has ever doubted your abilities, push on and prove them wrong.
Since this occasion; I’ve won multiple academic awards, a first class honours with a guaranteed PhD entry which I’m looking at commencing mid 2025. Completed three degrees in relation to Nursing, palliative care and gerontology. 2023 I spoke at numerous virtual and in person state wide symposiums and conferences and have co-written policy and procedures for some of the states biggest hospital’s for care of older people. I also sit on multiple state wide working groups in improving services for older South Australians.
2024 I am part of an SA Health media campaign to get nurses to consider further study which can be fully funded through the state government. A series of magnets and promotional materials with me on them have been sent right across SA throughout health services. The intake of new learning is great!
It’s hard for me to summarise a specific achievement as such; but in the 7 years as a practicing clinician I have done a lot in my area of expertise.
What advice would you give to current students at Navigator College?
I guess this would be the advice I’d give current students at Navigator College.
1. You don’t have to go to university to have a career; find something you love and do it well — allow it to bring you joy be passionate about it.
2. ATARs are irrelevant on your resume once you’re employed. Remember there are many other pathways to getting to your career goal and opportunities that can direct your path.
3. Trust yourself; be confident in your decisions and set realistic goals.
4. Age is just a number. You’re only as old as you feel. Don’t settle for someone saying you’re too young to do a senior role. If you have the merits you’re more than capable.
5. Lastly a quote from my own thesis; Be a guiding light for those who are lost in the darkness. They will always walk with you in the light of your passion.
All the best with your schooling future and remember to make it ‘what you want it to be’; control your own direction and path.
