Young achievers up for awards

TWO Bendigo TAFE health students have been nominated as finalists in the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards.

Pathology graduate Shee Lay Bell Po and dental assistant student Franchesca Morrell are up for the Kangan Institute Inspirational TAFE Student Award with the winner to be announced tonight, Friday 28 April.

Ms Bell Po, who came to Australia as an 11-year-old refugee, said she pursued a career in health to follow in her mother’s footsteps but has had barriers to overcome.

“When I was a little girl, I always wanted to help people just like my mum,” Ms Bell Po said. “She used to be a nurse in a refugee camp.

“I thought it was never going to happen for me because English was always difficult.”

Now a fully qualified pathology collector in Melbourne, Ms Bell Po said she was thrilled with her career to date.

“I enjoy helping the community by performing professional blood and specimen collection,” she said. “It may save a patient’s life or help them on their health journey.

“I love having my regular patients return and getting to know them as well as working with a variety of like-minded staff members who have now become friends.”

Ms Morrell took home the Victorian Trainee of the Year award in 2022 and is hoping to double up with another win this year she said she hopes to encourage others starting out on their path.

“I hope to inspire anybody who is discouraged and worried about their future,” she said. “It will be okay.

“You just have to do your best and make the most out of every opportunity.”

Helping people every day with their smiles is something Ms Morrell said she loves.

“Being a tooth fairy, I get to help people every single day conquer their fears and transform their smiles,” she said. “It is worth more than putting a dime under your pillow.”

Winners will be announced tonight at the awards the Young Achiever Awards gala presentation dinner at the Sofitel Melbourne.