Scholarship nourishes Deborah’s medical science studies at CQU

Deborah Annesley’s passion for nutrition and helping fight against obesity-related illnesses has been given a significant boost, thanks to the CQUniCares Queensland Country Bank Scholarship.

The Bundaberg-based Bachelor of Medical Science (Nutrition and Pre-Dietetics) student and single mother of five, has spoken of how the scholarship has made a positive difference to her studies and her life.

“The opportunity of receiving a scholarship initially brings enormous gratitude, firstly, for the generosity and sacrifice of the sponsors and secondly, for the lift it brings to your soul, knowing that someone is cheering you on,” she said.

“Then of course, there is the welcome relief that it brings to the financial burdens by paying for ongoing residential school expenses and helping towards placement costs and becoming work ready.”

Deborah’s study journey began back in high school when a home economics subject opened her eyes to the benefits of nutrition.

“The thought of going onto university was very daunting because I did not feel I was smart enough. Fast forward to over three decades later, my role as a mother suddenly changed from being a stay-at-home Mum, to needing to secure a sustainable future for my children and myself,” she said.

“I recognised that I would need to upskill, so, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a Nutritionist. Having experienced the benefits of eating wholesome foods, I could see the difference it can make to our well-being.”

“The rise in obesity rates and health issues has been alarming and I really feel the culture around convenient foods needs to change. I had grown up making meals from scratch, yet these skills are not always being passed onto younger generations. Skills that are sadly being forgotten for the convenience of fast foods.” 

“We can see the decline in people’s health today because of this. I want to show how healthy food is beneficial and can be medicine for the body.” 

The flexibility of CQU’s Bachelor of Medical Science (Specialisation) meant Deborah could be present in the home with her children and still pursue a career to create positive change and financial stability for her family.

“As a mature age-student I find that the mixed mode of learning at CQU is more conducive to juggling my role as a mother along with my studies. I must admit though, there have been many days that I struggle with self-doubt and feel overwhelmed, but I have learnt to just keep going,” she said. 

“I draw encouragement from two of my children, who are also at university, and find we can offer each other mutual support.” 

“The scholarship is a tremendous help with university expenses and allows that breathing space. Recently, I incurred some significant car expenses, but with the support from the scholarship I feel like I can stay afloat. I no longer need to stress about residential school costs and can even plan something special with my children.”

The CQUniCares Queensland Country Bank Scholarship provides recognition and financial assistance to a deserving second or third-year undergraduate student from Queensland.

Deborah said she hoped to undertake some work placement as part of her degree next year.

“I may need to travel outside my area to achieve this, so the scholarship will be valuable in assisting me with associated placement requirements and travelling costs,” she said. 

“I would like to be employed as a Nutritionist; however, I can see that I will need to be creative in establishing paid employment for myself.” 

“Along my study journey, I have encountered many challenges, that have included physical and mental health, finances, and family difficulties. Yet I have held onto my dream to succeed as a Nutritionist and to become financially self-reliant.”

“Just as the CQUniCares Queensland Country Bank Scholarship has made a positive difference in my life, I hope through my future career that I can uplift others.”

The CQUniCares Scholarship program changes lives and CQU is grateful to partner with Queensland Country Bank who share the University’s passion for making a difference in the lives of our remote students, their families and our communities.