Answering the call to care

At 50, Liz Escober is doing something she once thought might never be possible – studying to become a midwife.

Now halfway through her studies, Liz’s path to the Australian Catholic University (ACU) classroom hasn’t been straightforward. But it’s precisely that journey – shaped by persistence, courage and a willingness to start again – that makes her story so powerful.

“I’ve wanted to study midwifery since I was a teenager,” she says. 

“But life got in the way. There was always a reason why it wasn’t the right time.”

Once her children were grown, Liz decided to “reinvent” her life – and finally pursue the career of her dreams.

A leap of faith

Getting there wasn’t easy.

After more than two decades of living in Toowoomba, Liz began exploring her study options. Early conversations with other institutions left her feeling discouraged, but she didn’t give up. Instead, she took a practical first step, completing a tertiary preparation program through the University of Southern Queensland, followed by part-time study in nursing.

Still determined to pursue midwifery, she reached out again – this time to ACU.

“The lady I spoke to was so lovely. She answered all my questions and explained how I could make it work,” Liz says. 

“After that phone call, I knew this was where I wanted to be – even though I didn’t think I’d get in.”

When her early offer for the Bachelor of Midwifery arrived, it was a moment of pure joy.

“I was so excited,” she says.

That excitement came with significant life changes. Knowing the demands of integrated placements would make long-distance commuting unsustainable, Liz made the difficult decision to sell her home and relocate to Springfield on the edge of Brisbane.

Finding strength in community

Returning to study as a mature-age student brought its own challenges.

“Studying for the first time at my age doesn’t come easy. But I’m still so glad I decided to do it,” she says.

And at ACU, Liz found something she hadn’t expected – a strong sense of belonging.

“I’ve met some wonderful people and made a lot of new friends,” she says. 

“Because our classes are on campus, we’ve been able to really connect, support each other and keep each other going.”

That sense of connection extends beyond the classroom. Liz credits her three children as her biggest supporters, alongside classmates and teaching staff who have consistently encouraged her along the way.

“If I’ve ever reached out for help, the staff have been so lovely. They genuinely want you to succeed.”

Learning through experience

Hands-on learning has been a defining part of Liz’s degree.

During her placements at Logan Hospital, she has gained invaluable experience supporting women throughout pregnancy and birth – even following individual patients through their entire journey.

“It’s such a privilege to build those relationships,” she says. 

“You’re there for appointments, birth and postnatal follow-up – you see the whole process from start to finish. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

These moments, big and small, continue to reaffirm her decision to return to study.

“There isn’t just one defining moment,” she says. “There are so many – a kind word from a woman you’ve worked with, or a classmate helping you through a tough day. Then you get to be that support for someone else."

A life-changing experience in Rome

One of the most unexpected highlights of Liz’s journey took her far beyond Queensland – to ACU’s Rome Campus.

Studying healthcare ethics overseas became “an experience of a lifetime”.

Liz with her fellow students Phoebe and Amelia in Rome.

“I didn’t know anyone before I went,” she says. And I was the only one my age – everyone else was in their early twenties. At first, I felt a bit out of place.

“But that feeling didn’t last long. Everyone was so welcoming. I made some amazing friends.”

Days were filled with morning classes followed by afternoons exploring one of the world’s most historic cities – a balance of study and cultural immersion that left a lasting impression.

“We didn’t waste a minute. We packed so much into every day,” she says. 

“I’m just so grateful I had that opportunity. I would recommend it to everyone.”

One step at a time

If Liz could give advice to others considering a return to study, it would be simple – and honest.

“Don’t look too far ahead. It can feel overwhelming. Just take it week by week, focus on small achievements – and be kind to yourself,” she says. 

It’s advice grounded in experience. Midway through a demanding degree, Liz understands the doubts that can creep in – and the resilience it takes to push through them. 

But she also knows what’s waiting on the other side.

“I hope I can make a positive difference,” she says. 

“I want women to feel heard, safe and cared for during such an important time in their lives.”

It’s never too late to begin

Liz’s story is a reminder that there’s no single path into higher education – and no deadline on pursuing your goals.

Whether it’s a long-held dream or a new direction, her journey shows that with determination, support and the right environment, it’s always possible to start again.

And sometimes, that decision can take you further than you ever imagined – even to Rome.

Want an experience like Liz’s? Explore study at ACU.