Essential support during a challenging year

“Mount Gambier has such a supportive environment and with a smaller group of students on placement learning opportunities were really accessible for us.”

Lucymarie says it was a great challenge, but the most difficult part was the stress of supporting herself financially throughout the year.

“The demands of my degree and the unpredictable hours of my placement made working part-time to support myself impossible,” says Lucymarie.

“I would often have placements after hours including shifts in the emergency department and the obstetrics ward – where emergencies and babies don’t follow business hours!”

Facing financial hardship, Lucymarie applied for a Matthew Flinders Scholarship.

“The scholarship supported me by reducing my financial stress and allowing me to focus on my studies. I was able to buy groceries and petrol, plus cover my car registration and insurance costs.”

“I am grateful for the support. It felt like I had someone rooting for me in the sidelines, which was a great feeling so close to exams.”

With renewed motivation, Lucymarie is now determined to finish her medical degree and is excited by the idea of working in rural critical care.

She says, “While the rural placement started out as very challenging time, it turned into one of the most rewarding and special years of my life.”

You can provide vital support and hope for students like Lucymarie by donating to the Matthew Flinders Scholarship. 

100% of your donation will support students in financial need through the Matthew Flinders Scholarship. All donations $2 and over are tax-deductible within Australia.

^{Published May 2023. Author: Lynda Allen.}