Nancy’s love of animals inspires a winning career path
Veterinary nursing student Nancy Peck is turning her love of animals into a career that changes lives, but she never expected that passion to win her a national photography competition.
Nancy, who is studying the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) at TAFE Queensland’s Grovely campus, won the Australian Education Union’s (AEU) 2026 Heart of TAFE Photography Competition with My First Patient, a tribute to her 12-year-old Maltese-Shih Tzu, Toto.
Encouraged by her dad, Nancy decided to enter the competition, with Toto the obvious subject.
“He’s very cute, but he also represents how much my course has meant to me. What I’ve learned at TAFE has already made a difference to his care, so photographing him felt like a personal way to tell that story,” she said.
My First Patient shows her much-loved pet through the eyes of an aspiring veterinary nurse.
Now in its fourth year, the national competition invites TAFE students to capture the life-changing impact of vocational education and training.
Nancy joined seven other state finalists at Parliament House for the awards, held alongside the AEU’s National TAFE Symposium and attended by around 200 delegates.
Her national win earned her $5,000, and her photograph will feature in an exhibition at Parliament House.
“Winning felt surreal, and attending the awards ceremony at Parliament House made it feel even more special. It was the cherry on top of an already rewarding year and a wonderful way to celebrate a photograph that means so much to me,” she said.
After finishing Year 12 in 2024, Nancy was unsure of her next step and explored veterinary nursing after a conversation with her sister, Natalie.
With the Grovely campus close to home and TAFE Queensland well known for animal studies, enrolling felt like a natural choice.
With support from teacher Kim McMahon and assistant teacher Sarah Duncan, she is building the confidence to take her place in the industry.
“Their experience and knowledge have made such a difference to my learning, and their encouragement has helped me build confidence to enter the industry,” she said.
Nancy is learning to read animal body language, perform first aid and monitor vital signs.
Recognising fear, discomfort and illness has also helped her approach animals with greater patience and understanding.
“Most of all, I’ve learned how valuable it is to advocate for animals who can’t speak for themselves, helping ensure their needs are recognised and their comfort, wellbeing and quality of life are prioritised,” she said.
Those skills are already making a difference at home. Toto joined the family in 2014, and he and Nancy have grown up together.
Learning about dental problems in Maltese-Shih Tzus prompted a conversation with her parents about Toto’s health.
He recently had his first dental procedure, and the family changed his diet to support his dental health. Nancy is also more alert to unusual lumps and growths that need veterinary attention.
“My studies have helped me recognise these concerns and advocate for his care. I want to help him stay comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life as he gets older,” she said.
“My TAFE education has already changed Toto’s life, and it’s preparing me to make that same difference in the lives of many more animals,” Nancy said.
After graduating, Nancy plans to build experience in general veterinary practice, with emergency nursing and working with different animal species among the possibilities for her future.
She hopes her win will also help highlight the important role veterinary nurses play in supporting animals and their owners.
Her advice to future students is simple: follow your passion.
“There’s a lot to learn, but seeing how those skills can improve an animal’s life makes the hard work worthwhile,” she said.
“I hope my story shows school leavers that there are different ways to build a career around something you love. TAFE has given me a practical pathway into an industry I’m passionate about,” Nancy said.