Sarah K

My name is Sarah K, and I am a mature age Bachelor of Nursing student and CQUniCares Student Success (School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences) Scholarship recipient.

By grade 12, I knew I wanted to be a Nurse, however, unfortunately did not have the score needed to get into the degree. As it does, life went on and even though I still wanted to end up as a Nurse, it was never the right time to start.

I became a single mum at the age of 30; and decided that if I didn’t start then, that I would never start. I completed the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) course and was later accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing.

During my first year, I worked full-time, studied full-time, whilst caring for my son. It was extremely difficult, but I was determined to do it. At the end of the year, I moved back to Tasmania from Central Queensland so I would have family support.

Whilst I love it here, it has made it a lot harder to attend residential schools as they are held on the mainland in either central Victoria, or up in Brisbane. My previous two placements as well as my next will take place in Hobart, which is a four or more-hour drive away. I am away from my son that whole time, and even though I have family support, the time away increases the need for afterschool care or vacation care, on top of my accommodation, food and parking expenses. 

Without my scholarship, I would have to defer so that I can build up enough money to continue to go on placements.

I am incredibly thankful to have been granted this scholarship. Without the donations from the sponsors, I would not have been able to continue my degree this year.