A scholarship means Brianna can focus on her medical degree

“For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to go to university,” says Brianna. “In school I was known for being sporty – I used to be a competitive swimmer, and so I was pretty much always training before and after school. I would swim an average of 20 hours per week. Once I got into year 12 though, I started to knuckle down and take my academics more seriously.”

Although Brianna had always held a fascination for anything health-related, it took her a while to decide what to study. She considered physiotherapy and even engineering before seriously considering a career in medicine.

“I think the reason I was so keen on studying at university was to gain more life opportunities,” she explains. “Coming from a challenging background, I believed that getting into university could really jumpstart my life in the right direction.”

Finding the right scholarship

Getting into medicine was a joyful moment. “I was so happy and relieved that my hard work in my undergraduate degree had paid off,” says Brianna. “I was also very proud of myself – I had managed to get accepted despite my circumstances and certain people doubting my ability to get in.”

However, being accepted into the course brought other challenges. Studying medicine is a full-time job in itself – how was Brianna going to support herself?

“Towards the end of my undergraduate degree, I was starting to really worry about financing my future,” she says. “For me personally, I didn’t have anyone that I could ask for financial aid if needed, and my university doesn’t really provide any equity-based scholarships.”

Brianna searched online for scholarships that would help young people who had been in the foster care system, then applied for the Sisters of Charity Foundation scholarship.

“I was so happy and relieved to receive the scholarship,” she says. “I had just started medical school, and was beginning to feel the intensity of the degree alone, so the idea of having to work heaps on top of my already hectic schedule was freaking me out.

“So, when I got the call that I had won the scholarship, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I’m pretty sure I just went home and studied without the extra stress looming over me – it was a very nice feeling.”

Helping others through reconstructive surgery

Brianna’s favourite subjects so far include anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. “I love learning about how the human body actually functions, and what we as humans can do to help others live life to the best of their ability,” she explains.

It’s early days yet, but Brianna is thinking about a career in reconstructive surgery. “The prospect of restoring function and appearance to patients who have suffered from injuries, defects, or illnesses – to improve their self-esteem and quality of life – stands out to me significantly,” she says. “Everyone deserves to have the best quality of life possible, and I believe reconstructive surgeons can play a significant role in helping patients in need.

“By combining medical expertise with compassion, I hope to make a tangible difference in people’s lives and contribute to improving their physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Keeping a healthy balance

In her free time Brianna runs and goes to the gym, and although she can no longer devote 20+ hours a week to competitive swimming, she’s heavily involved in her university’s water polo team. “I’ve made some great friends,” she says. “I love being social, and so any opportunity where I’m able to just hang out and talk with my friends I find enjoyable.

“So far I think my plans are working, as I’m enjoying my time studying and keen for what lies ahead.

“I am so thankful to the supporters of the Foundation. Thank you for supporting the dreams of many who come from challenging backgrounds.”

About the Tertiary Scholarship Program

The Sisters of Charity Foundation awards tertiary scholarships to young people from out-of-home care backgrounds. 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.

The Sisters of Charity Foundation would like to express our deepest thanks to The Snow Foundation for providing funding for scholarship students, like Brianna, in Canberra and surrounding areas. Learn more or apply here.