Scholarship student Savannah is looking forward to becoming a nurse

The Sisters of Charity Foundation’s Tertiary Scholarship Program recipient Savannah is in her second year of a Bachelor of Nursing at Australian Catholic University. She has a beautiful, caring nature and will make a wonderful nurse. Savannah says:

“I never really knew what university was until I reached late high school years, no one from my immediate family had spoken about further education and the possibilities when I was younger. But ever since I was little I had career ambitions that would require me to one day study at university. I always wanted to do something that involved helping others: midwifery, nursing, paramedicine, teaching...

In a lot of ways school was a safe place for me, somewhere I could genuinely just be a child while also learning. I was the type who would ask for homework as it kept me busy and I enjoyed the task of learning and figuring things out, so it is no surprise I ended up at university. 

Finding her purpose

I went into university with a set goal and a lot of determination,
I wanted to be a paramedic. However, after a nursing placement, I discovered I was really primarily enjoying nursing, so I swapped. I enjoyed following people's journey, taking the time to do the small things that made a big difference.

I am not sure what specific area of nursing I want to go into at present, I have so many ideas and different areas I would love to be exposed to through clinical placements!

I am currently really enjoying the mental health unit I am completing, I think a lot of this may stem from experiences with individuals who have lived with mental health problems. From a young age, I was exposed to individuals who suffered from drug misuse and addiction. I also have grown up around individuals who have lived experiences of other mental health conditions that impact their day-to-day lives and how they interact with others. This gave me a lot of insight from a young age and allowed me to have a greater sense of understanding. I also very much enjoy my practical classes that allow me to learn and practice hands-on skills in the lab!

Thank you from Savannah

The day I found out I was a successful applicant for the scholarship, I was having a really tough day and when I read the email and saw the outcome I was overjoyed and uplifted. I called my close friends and told them and they were happy for me. With the financial support granted by this scholarship my journey will be really supported.

I would like to say thank you to all the donors and supporters of the Sisters of Charity Foundation. Without this support while studying, I could have been left in a position where I could not manage enough work alongside study to live independently. This scholarship has lifted a great stress off me and has allowed me to remain focused on completing my nursing degree so I can graduate and begin working in my dream career.”

About the Tertiary Scholarship Program

The Sisters of Charity Foundation awards tertiary scholarships to young people from out-of-home care backgrounds (foster care, kinship care, residential care etc).

Financial support helps recipients afford university or TAFE study expenses (course fees; textbooks; technology; and attending workshops, networking events and internships) as well as the cost of living on their own with no parental support. The scholarship lets them focus on their studies, rather than having to hold down multiple jobs or work full-time hours.