Firstly, the financial assistance which is generously provided by the Australian Rotary Health team will greatly enable me to focus on my studies and improve my skills effectively as a healthcare member by significantly reducing my financial stress. Unfortunately, because of my commitment to the Rural Clinical School I will no longer be employed by my current employer of 4 years, losing my main source of income. Additionally, recent complex family issues and familial financial stress means that I will not have financial support from close family and will therefore rely on government payments. This scholarship will give me the freedom to study more effectively by reducing the stress associated with supporting myself, and by giving me the freedom to maintain a healthy lifestyle through enabling me to participate in extra-curricular activities such as attending the gym and the local indoor soccer competition in Kadina. This would ultimately help me to perform at my best throughout the year as I will be able to maintain my healthy lifestyle habits and maintain physical and mental health outside of my medicine commitments.

Furthermore, the Scholarship provided by the Australian Rotary Health team will enable me to get involved in meaningful community outreach and extra-curricular activities, as well as build friendships with members of the local Rotary Club. I have been fortunate enough to learn a lot about Rotary and the opportunities they provide aspiring young students, and the important funding they provide for impactful research, as my parents met through a rotary exchange when they were 18. Being a part of the Rotary community would mean a great deal to me and my family, especially next year as I embark on this journey into rural medicine. Many of my interests and passions in medicine are shared with the Australian Rotary Health team, such as indigenous health and mental health. Therefore, I hope to become a part of this community and build relationships with potential mentors to help me whilst studying with the rural medical school, who can guide me on my studies and aid me in developing as a better clinician.

In conclusion, the Australian Rotary Health Rural Health Scholarship would significantly benefit my studies by providing me with financial relief in spite of difficult financial circumstances, as well as providing me with a good support network of like-minded individuals and mentors in the community. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and strive to do my best to represent Rotary and its core values.