Choosing to study medicine was not a decision I made at a young age nor was it made during my high school years. In high school, I rarely entertained the idea of pursuing an education at a university level. During this time, I believed becoming a psychiatrist was an unrealistic aspiration. My parents didn’t complete their high school education and a life-threatening stroke forced my mother into early retirement. I found it difficult to imagine tertiary education as part of my narrative, believing I would take after my parents. Despite these obstacles, I have had the opportunity to study medicine, the first in my family? and if I were to be awarded this scholarship this would assist myself and my family in numerous ways.

The assistance of this scholarship will alleviate the expenses of textbooks, laptop, transport and a stethoscope, all requirements of medical students to engage in their learning.

Due to these circumstances, I’ve had to relocate from Sydney to Adelaide to care for her resulting in a loss of financial assistance from previous scholarships. As difficult as this situation is, I plan on using it as an opportunity to return with a renewed sense of community interest which will help me grow as an Indigenous practitioner. My stern commitment to my studies is the result of my long transition from a high school student to a responsible young adult, whose real-world experience has imparted a sense of awareness and obligation. Upon graduating medicine, I plan to use my voice as an advocate for equitable Indigenous health outcomes and strong social and emotional well-being as a psychiatrist, as well as being an advocate for Indigenous education. I aim to contribute to delivering high quality, safe and appropriate mental health clinical care to Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, I wish to expand preparatory and access programs for Indigenous students who wish to enter the health profession but lack the resources. This is a goal I am currently involved with as an active member of the University of Adelaide's newly developed medicine preparatory program. My vision is to expand and create initiatives that not only increase the intake of rural Indigenous health students but also to see an improved relationship between health care and the Indigenous population.

If selected for this scholarship, I will continue to apply the same diligence to my University studies as I have to this point, making education and service to others my top priority.