For Cootamundra girl Abbey Guthrie becoming a nurse may be seen by some as following in her mother's footsteps, but it's not a career she was originally considering when leaving school.
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Miss Guthrie is currently studying to become an enrolled nurse through Cootamundra TAFE and is completing her first stint of work placement at Leeton's Carramar aged care facility.
Her mother, Tracey Guthrie of Cootamundra, has been a nurse for many years.
For Miss Guthrie choosing to become a nurse had been in the back of her mind, but while she was at school she remained uncertain about what career lay ahead for her.
"I've always had an interest in the health service since I was young, I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do," she said.
"Mum being a nurse kind of drove me towards being more interested in it.
"I was leaning more towards the allied health area in year 11 and 12. I was finished school last year.
"So when I was in year 11 I thought about doing enrolled nursing more seriously. I didn't want to go to university straight away."
I've always had an interest in the health service since I was young, I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do.
- Abbey Guthrie.
However, now that Miss Guthrie has had a taste of what the career involves, she would eventually like to complete her Bachelor of Nursing through a university provider and become a registered nurse.
Miss Guthrie said she is learning plenty from the experienced staff at Carramar.
"It's very different working in health ... I work in a cafe at the moment while I'm studying," she said.
"I'm learning so much new stuff. The first day was really eye-opening.
"We don't do a lot of practical work (at TAFE), so putting all of the theory into practice is really good."
Nursing is a career Miss Guthrie would like to see more young people consider when finishing school.
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She said there were many opportunities when it came to nursing and she herself can't wait to explore them.
"I'm really excited about what I will be able to do," Miss Guthrie said.
