To the Rotary Club of Belconnen,
I was the recipient of your scholarship to the University of Canberra in 2018. I have been meaning to write to you for some time and update you on what I have achieved thanks to your support. I graduated from UC in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts. My majors were in International Studies, History and French and my minor in Creative Writing. Your scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and ultimately, I graduated with a GPA of 6.2 (above distinction) and received a Dean's Award for Excellence in my final semester. Your scholarship also gave my self-confidence an enormous boost, and for that, I am very grateful.
Upon completion of my studies, I spent a year as a Community Support Worker both 1-on-1 and in a group home in the Belconnen area. It was a great challenge but also an enormous privilege to be an essential worker throughout the pandemic and lockdown. Providing care to the most vulnerable of society at a time when they were alone and isolated was difficult but tremendously fulfilling.
During my time in this role, I developed a love for healthcare. I enjoyed caring for others and had the opportunity to assist my clients through hospitalizations and rehabilitation. Before long, I had decided that healthcare was where I wanted to be. Mid-last year, I commenced my Master of Occupational Therapy at the University of Canberra. (I know you will be interested to hear that! I remember you telling me about your work supplying medical equipment and assistive devices to those in need. Prescribing these items is one of our key roles as occupational therapists.) In January, I completed my first placement at a regional NSW hospital which was challenging but inspiring. I am now mid-way through my second semester and looking forward to another placement during June-July this year.
So there you have a quick update from one of your grateful scholarship recipients! I hope you are all well and the Rotary Club of Belconnen is continuing to make a real impact both in our local community and across the world.
Kind regards,