After years of dialysis and serious health challenges, Debora is motivated to provide the kind of mental health support she felt was missing during her time in hospital. She also wants to set an example for her daughter, showing that education can always be part of life, no matter the circumstances.
Navigating kidney failure, dialysis and motherhood
Debora was in her late teens when her life shifted dramatically. She was midway through a Bachelor of Health Science and working part-time when she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Dialysis three times a week meant she had to stop everything and move back home.
“It was a big shock for me and for my family. I had to stop studying. I had to stop work. Everything just stopped.”
She was told she would never receive a transplant and would be dependent on dialysis for life. Doctors also warned her that pregnancy was unlikely. Despite this, Debora gave birth to her daughter, Luna, an experience she describes as remarkable.
“She’s such a miracle. My parents were amazing. I couldn’t have done it without them. My mum pretty much became a nurse again, as well as a mum.”
Dialysis during pregnancy requires extraordinary effort. Debora spent up to eight hours a day on the machine to keep herself as healthy as possible. Her parents became her support system, helping with treatment. Her days were filled with hospital visits, treatment schedules and family responsibilities, and her own ambitions had to wait.
A kidney transplant that changed everything
After two decades on dialysis, Debora finally received the call she never expected: there was a donor match. In 2024, she underwent a successful kidney transplant.
“My first thought was, I want to travel and I want to study.”
The transplant restored her health and gave her the freedom to make plans again. Her time in hospital had highlighted the gap between physical and mental health support.
“The medical side of things was there, but the mental health side was a real struggle. That gap motivated me to study psychology and social sciences.”
Driven by passion: Debora’s career goals
Debora’s decision to study psychology and social sciences came from a desire to help others through experiences like hers.
“My dream job would be to help people like me on this journey. When I was told I would never get a transplant, there was no support. I want to right that wrong and be there for people in the same position.”
Western Sydney University Online’s Bachelor of Psychological and Social Sciences explores how people think and behave in the context of family, culture and society. It develops research and analytical skills that are highly valued across health, education and policy. For Debora, it represents a direct pathway to roles in counselling, social work and community health and, if she chooses, the first stage of the six-year journey to becoming a registered psychologist. But her main goal currently is to help people who are in the same position she once was in, giving them care and encouragement when things feel unmanageable and scary.
How online study has made it possible for Debora to pursue her passions
Balancing study with regular check-ups and caring for elderly parents and a daughter meant Debora needed a lot of flexibility. Studying online has given her the freedom to organise her own time.
“Online study totally fits my schedule. If I have appointments in the morning, I study in the afternoon. If I have something on in the afternoon, I can study in the morning. It just made sense.”
Her first contact with Western Sydney Online made her feel supported from the start.
“The person I spoke to was so encouraging. He kept checking up on me, talking me through the whole process. It wasn’t stressful, which was a major thing.”
Support for students at Western Sydney University Online
Debora had expected online study to feel isolating, but quickly found she had access to extensive support.
“There’s a lot of help. The teachers, the learning advisors, they get back to you quickly. Technical support has been fantastic too.”
She has also built connections with other students.
“We’ve shared notes, flashcards and Zoom meetings. It’s really nice. We’ve built a little community.”
Through WesternLife, Western Sydney Online’s dedicated online student platform, Debora has been able to join events and groups that mirror the campus experience. From O-Week activities to interest-based clubs, WesternLife has helped her feel part of a wider student community, even while studying from home.
What a typical study day looks like for Debora
Debora has created a routine that suits her health and family responsibilities.
“Most mornings, I start with coffee and reading, then spend time writing or researching. At lunch, I take my dog for a walk, which clears my head and helps me think through assignments.”
She has also learned the importance of balance.
“I know I study best in the mornings. And I give myself weekends off. That balance really helps.”
The satisfaction of achieving new milestones
Enrolling at university was already a milestone for Debora after years of being unable to study.
“I’m proud I actually did it. Just taking that first step.”
Her confidence grew further once she began submitting assignments.
“It was such a fantastic feeling. I thought those skills had left me, but I realised I can do this. I can read, research, and argue a point. It was amazing.”
Each result has reminded her that she can succeed academically and move towards her goals.
Don’t let age stop you: advice for mature-age students
In her mid-forties, Debora wants other mature-age students to know that it is never too late to return to studying.
“My advice is just do it. That first step is daunting, but once you’re in, you realise age isn’t a barrier at all.”
She believes her maturity has worked in her favour.
“You’re more disciplined, you don’t leave things to the last minute, and you know yourself better. Education is always something you benefit from, no matter your age.”
Learn more about the Bachelor of Psychological and Social Sciences
Debora’s story shows how online study can fit into complex lives. The Bachelor of Psychological and Social Sciences develops practical, research-driven skills and provides a strong foundation for careers in counselling, education, health and community services.
The program includes 24 units across three years full-time or part-time equivalent, and is the first three years of the six-year pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.
Western Sydney University is ranked in the top 3% of universities worldwide (Center for World University Rankings 2025) and #1 globally for social, economic and environmental impact (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025). With flexible study, dedicated online support and access to the WesternLife student platform, Western Sydney Online makes it possible to pursue higher education from wherever you are.
If you’re ready to take your own step towards a career in psychology or social sciences, speak with a Course Consultant today! Explore our Bachelor of Psychological and Social Sciences now.