Critical support for our paramedic students

Stafford Wulff Opportunity Scholarship in Paramedic Science

After a difficult start in life, paramedic student Laurlily Kouma is looking forward to a brighter future thanks to the Stafford Wulff Opportunity Scholarship in Paramedic Science at Flinders University.

By the age of 17, Laurlily Kouma had already tackled many more obstacles than her peers. She grew up in Whyalla with a stepdad who suffered from schizoaffective disorder, and her mother who experienced severe depression.

‘We didn’t have any family nearby and mental health is poorly supported in rural locations. This left me feeling isolated and my own mental health began to deteriorate,’ says Laurlily.

To create a healthier environment during her year 12 studies, Laurlily made the difficult decision to move out of home, moving to Goolwa to live by herself.

‘I rented a room and worked six days a week to support myself, so that I could focus on completing year 12.’

Despite the lack of support and immense financial pressures, Laurlily achieved an ATAR of 99.35 and was accepted into the Paramedic Science degree at Flinders University.

‘I’m excited that, as donations to the Stafford Wulff Opportunity Scholarship grow, even more students starting the Paramedic Science degree will receive the support they need, when they need it most.’

However, as Laurlily began her degree, she realised she needed to pay for her uniform, fitness testing, vaccinations and diagnostic equipment.

‘I encountered so many obstacles growing up, and by the time I started my paramedic degree and realised the costs involved, I wasn’t sure if this was an obstacle I could actually overcome,’ she says.

The support she needed came from the Stafford Wulff Opportunity Scholarship in Paramedic Science, established by donations from Flinders graduates and fellow paramedics Stafford Wulff and Gabriel Hicks, who wanted to support new paramedic students with their essential study costs.

‘In three years, when I’m on the road as a paramedic and able to help people every day, I’ll have the scholarship to thank for getting me there,’ says Laurlily.