Murdoch University’s graduation ceremony was a night to remember for the Wall family from Mandurah, with father Peter and daughter Shannara sharing the spotlight.
Ms Wall graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing and her father, Mr Wall, who is a lecturer in Murdoch’s School of Health Professions, was awarded a Masters of Nursing.
Ms Wall is now the fourth qualified nurse in the family, joining her father Peter, her mother Renee and her sister Ehlanna in the profession.
"I am so excited to begin my career as a nurse," Shannara said, who has now embarked on a graduate program at Peel Health Campus.
"Nursing is a very rewarding profession, and I love being able to take patients from admission right through to discharge. Every day is something different. One day I’d like to specialise, perhaps in ICU or trauma."
Shannara said it was a wonderful experience to share graduation with her dad.
"Dad and I started our degrees together and it was lovely to have the whole family there to see us finish together," she said.
"Being a nursing lecturer, Dad has been with me throughout the whole university experience and I was always so proud to see him in action up on stage in class. He is a really great lecturer.
"One of the highlights of my degree was taking part in a three-week nursing trip to Thailand led by my dad and fellow lecturer Caroline Browne, who helped students to treat villagers and conduct some public health programs in hills a few hours outside of Chiang Mai. Being able to share that experience with my dad made it extra memorable."
Mr Wall is an old hand at managing the balance of teacher and father, having also taught his older daughter Ehlanna during her Bachelor of Nursing studies at Murdoch.
"I was a nurse for around 30 years before moving into my current role at Murdoch University, and I find it really rewarding to help the next generation of nurses,” he said.