Worimi woman Kiah Carmody-O'Toole is among recent graduates from the University of Newcastle's Ourimbah campus, joining almost 500 students celebrating the completion of their studies on the Central Coast.

Ms Carmody-O'Toole graduated on Tuesday and is now working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Wyong Hospital, after securing one of four positions in a competitive intake.

From growing up on Worimi Country in Forster to walking the graduation stage, her journey has been marked by challenges, including identity-based discrimination, academic struggles, and the demands of elite sport.

"I just felt different - like I was dumb and didn't fit in," she said.

"But on the football field, that all disappeared.

"That's where I felt most like myself."

Ms Carmody-O'Toole left school in Year 10 and earned a Diploma in Childhood Education at 16 while playing representative football (soccer).

With support from her mother and grandfather, she trained four times a week with the Central Coast Mariners before relocating to the Central Coast at 18 to focus on her soccer career.

She said her passion for Aboriginal health led her to pursue nursing at the University of Newcastle's local campus.

"I wanted to study to become a nurse and continue playing football, so I was stoked the University of Newcastle had a campus on the Coast where I could pursue my dream," she said.

University was a difficult transition as Ms Carmody-O'Toole failed her first subject, was later diagnosed with ADHD, and eventually stepped away from football.

"At first, uni felt like high school all over again – like I didn't belong," she said.

"But after my ADHD diagnosis, everything made sense: the struggle to concentrate, getting kicked out of class, not retaining information."

She said stepping away from sport was necessary to focus on nursing and give back to community.

"I'd achieved so much in sport, even co-captaining the Australian Indigenous Football team, but I knew it was time to hang up the boots," she said.

"Nursing became my priority - I wanted to be there for my mob when they needed me most."

Ms Carmody-O'Toole went on to make the University's HD Commendation list and became the first in her family to earn a degree.

She said mentors and connection to culture helped her grow through setbacks, including racism she encountered during her placements.

"This time, I had mentors who showed me how to respond and find my voice," she said.

"This made me an even stronger, prouder Aboriginal woman.

"Now, I'm passing on that knowledge and mentoring young ones facing the same struggles."

She credits the University's Wollotuka Institute, her work volunteering at NAIDOC health clinics, and leadership within the Indigenous Football team as key to finding her strength.

From football boots to scrubs, Ms Carmody-O'Toole said she never imagined her name would one day be on the HD Commendation list.

"I always had a deep passion for Aboriginal health. Now I get to live that every day," she said.