Live, Laugh, Local - why studying in Darwin gives Elsie the best of everything

For many Northern Territory students, finishing high school often comes with one big expectation: move interstate.

But for 19-year-old paramedicine student Elsie Harden, choosing to stay in Darwin has opened more doors than she ever imagined.

Growing up in Humpty Doo and attending Haileybury Rendall School, Elsie watched most of her classmates head interstate after graduation.

“Only six out of 40 of us stayed local. People think they have to move away to find opportunities, but that’s just not true.”

Now studying Paramedicine at Charles Darwin University, Elsie is balancing full-time study with a full-time job, volunteering with St John Ambulance and Junior Police Rangers, and playing local footy – all while building the career she was destined for.

“I always knew I wanted to work in emergency services,” she said. “My dad is a police officer, so I knew I’d end up being either a paramedic, nurse or firefighter.”

Building a future without leaving home

For Elsie, staying in Darwin meant remaining connected to the people and lifestyle that matter most to her.

“Local sports have always been a huge part of my life, and being close to the action was important to my decision-making,” she said.

Staying local also led to an opportunity she may not have received elsewhere – being scouted into the AFL NT Talent Academy.

Living in the Territory has given Elsie the flexibility to excel in multiple passions at once, something she says would have been much harder interstate.

“I chose CDU because it’s local – I still have my community close. But, also because it’s so flexible. I can make study work around my life,” she said. “It means I can skip the commute on days I need to, or on days I’m off I can come onto campus, hook up to the whiteboard and watch my lectures from class.”

That flexibility has allowed Elsie to continue working, volunteering and competing in sport while studying towards a demanding healthcare career. It also allows her to thrive in CDU by becoming a Student Ambassador in her first year

A unique Territory perspective

Growing up in the Northern Territory also gave Elsie an experience she believes is invaluable for future healthcare workers.

“I grew up in community and got to live and play with Aboriginal people,” she said. “Darwin is so close to everything – a one-hour drive outside the city in any direction takes you to a whole different world.”

Through her upbringing and studies, Elsie has developed a strong understanding of the importance of culturally informed healthcare, particularly in emergency situations.

“Some students don’t see the point in understanding Indigenous cultures and how to communicate effectively with them in emergency situations,” she said. “But there are differences, and understanding culture and how to speak with people in those moments is critical.”

Studying paramedicine in the Territory has also exposed Elsie to a wide variety of real-world experiences during placement.

“Placement gave me a range of learnings – from hospital drop-offs to resuscitation. Every day was different,” she said. “It gave me a great insight into my future work. Now I know I'm pursing the right career for me."

Choosing opportunity close to home

For Elsie, staying in Darwin has never meant limiting her future. Instead, it has allowed her to build one.

Between university, work, volunteering, elite sports and community connections, she believes the Territory offers students more pathways than many people realise.

“You don’t have to leave to create opportunities for yourself,” she said. “Everything I need is here.”

Still not sure if you should study in Darwin? Here are 7 more reasons.