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Aspiring paramedic gets a helping hand

A young high achiever who dreams of helping others as a paramedic has been given a helping hand just in time for the start of university.

Aneka Breakey was one of more than 120 school leavers to be offered a scholarship through USQ’s Become More Scholarship scheme.

The 17-year-old graduated with an OP5 from Lowood State High School last year and placed USQ as her first preference, which automatically entitled her to the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, valued up to $20,000.

USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the scheme supports USQ’s strategic goal of keeping the brightest young people in the region.

“We were overwhelmed by the response for this new scholarship scheme and the number of school leavers who listed USQ as their number one choice,” Professor Mackenzie said.

“The university wants to ensure that we retain the most outstanding students throughout Springfield, Ipswich and surrounding regions, while also attracting school leavers from across the state.

“Our scholarship recipients will be studying in a wide range of areas, including aviation, education, law, biomedical science, business and commerce, engineering, creative arts, paramedicine and sport and exercise.

“Going to university is a huge achievement and a special time in one’s life. I hope all our new students are getting excited and looking forward to starting at USQ.”

Aneka said receiving the scholarship, which she will use to purchase textbooks and travel, has given her even more motivation to succeed in her Bachelor of Paramedicine at USQ.

“Not only am I grateful to have received this scholarship but it is great reward for all of the hard work I put into my schooling,” she said.

While the scholarship was excellent incentive, Aneka said the relaxed lifestyle and strong community atmosphere at USQ’s Ipswich campus were what attracted her to the University.

“I looked at other universities, but there was something about USQ that really appealed to me,” she said.

“I came here for an open day last year and found the academic staff were really supportive and the whole campus felt incredibly close-knit.

“Paramedicine is a career and degree you have to get up-close with other people and have to know what to do in difficult situations, so knowing at USQ you are always supported and included in things like class discussions is a really good feeling.”

USQ’s Paramedicine program has a strong practical component, but Aneka believed her thirst for knowledge and learning is what will hold her in good stead.

“I can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life,” she said.

“I can’t think of a more rewarding career than being on the front line of saving lives every day.”

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