UOW Bega students presented scholarships, academic achievement awards

At a presentation ceremony on Friday, July 27 she was one of the University of Wollongong Bega campus students who were recognised as a scholarship recipient or top performer in their class.

Ms Jessop said 41 years ago she started her nursing training in Cooma, but left to get married. She decided she wanted to work in the field again, and is now in her third year of a Bachelor of Nursing. 

“I would never have been able to do this if I wasn’t in the community I was living, with the family support I have, in the university that I’m studying in,” she said. 

“I never dreamed, 41 years later, I would be doing this, never in a million years.” 

Ms Jessop received the Bega RSL sub branch’s Christine Farrow Nursing Scholarship at the presentation ceremony, marking the second time she has been given it. 

“My sons are returned service people, so I find it quite an honour, it’s something close to my heart,” she said. 

“It is a privilege to receive something monetary that will help you, as it just helps.” 

The 58-year-old wants to work in a rural and remote area after she graduates and said she has enjoyed her time at UOW Bega. 

“You’re never, ever too old to do this and more people should do it,” she said. 

Also in their third year of a nursing degree were Jane Phillips of Brogo who received a Mumbulla Scholarship and first in subject, while Amanda Young of Merimbula was presented a first in subject. 

“The staff and the family that we have in our class makes an amazing environment and we feel fortunate to be part of it,” Ms Young said. 

Ms Phillips said this was her fourth attempt at a degree, with the previous ones started at much larger universities in Sydney. 

“It’s the campus and the people here that have made it possible,” she said. 

First year Bachelor of Nursing student Claudia Mitchell of Eden received the Dr Blomfield Memorial Nursing Scholarship while Jessie Mackiehan of Pambula, also a first year nursing student, was presented the Collins Nursing Scholarship. 

Ms Mackiehan said the scholarships helped with the “cost of living” and she chose to study at UOW Bega because she liked the idea of a small campus rather than a massive campus in a city.

Ms Mitchell said she got a lot out of the one-on-one teaching they got in a smaller class. 

“I was going to transfer but I’ve changed my mind now as I get more out of a small campus than I would by moving away,” she said.