However, she wasn’t prepared for how challenging it would be to live away from her family or how she would manage the financial burden of living independently in a city with high costs.
“Moving two and a half hours from home, by myself, to study was tough,” says Madeline.
“I was the first child in my family to attend university, so it was all very new, which made the transition even more difficult.”
Thankfully, the Rural Scholarship — funded by Flinders University alumni, staff and community members — has been a lifeline for Madeline, easing her financial stress and improving her mental health.
“The funding helped to cover rent and bills in Adelaide, so that I could study my degree at Flinders,” says Madeline.
“The financial support helped me to relax, which improved my mental health quite a lot.”
Madeline is keen to let the donors to the Rural Scholarship know that their support has been vital in helping her work towards her dream of a career in nutrition.
“Thank you so much for providing this support to rural students like me. It is beyond appreciated and makes such a big difference.”
“Rural students often face extra challenges and costs in moving away from home, so I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity of those who make the Rural Scholarship possible.”
Now in the Honours year of her degree, Madeline is gaining hands-on experience through a six-month series of work placements, to prepare for her future career.
Currently on placement in the Nutrition department at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, she supports pregnant women with gestational diabetes, children with Type 1 diabetes, and patients recovering from cancer or dealing with eating disorders.
“The hospital environment is fast-paced, and we see a wide range of health conditions,” says Madeline.
“It’s very rewarding to be able to provide nutritional advice for each unique situation.”
