Scholarship supports Tia over her final hurdle

Matthew Flinders Scholarship

With an interest in a wholistic approach to rehabilitation, for the past eight years Tia Barker has been studying at Flinders University to become an occupational therapist.

The first in her family to go to university, Tia found studying a Master of Occupational Therapy took a lot of dedication and stamina, especially after completing two undergraduate degrees.

But it was at the final hurdle – her very last practical placement – that she struggled the most.

With an opportunity to do a full-time, eight-week placement in Darwin and remote NT communities, Tia couldn’t wait to get make the most of the learning experience and explore her passion for regional and remote community outreach.

But it meant taking a long break from her part-time job at The Cheesecake Shop – which had been supporting her throughout many years of full-time study.

“I am really appreciative of the scholarship support - it provided a great relief.”

Without this income Tia didn’t know how she would cover her living costs while on placement. She became stressed and found it difficult to focus.

Tia’s life changed when she received a Matthew Flinders Scholarship and could cover her costs, including groceries and transport, while she was in the NT.

“This funding helped me greatly while I was on placement. It enabled me to do outreach in remote communities, to help with health literacy and skill building,” says Tia.

Tia appreciates those who support students in financial need through the Matthew Flinders Scholarship and wants them to know it’s made a huge difference her life.

She says, “Having this funding can only be described as a relief. It took stress off me at a pivotal moment in my degree and it allowed me to solely focus on the work I was doing and the skills I was developing.”

Proudly, Tia graduated with a Master of Occupational Therapy earlier this year and is now working in regional communities and schools in Western Australia.

She says, “I never dreamed that this is what I would be doing with my life.”

You can provide vital support for students like Tia to cover their living costs by giving to the Matthew Flinders Scholarship.

Donate today

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.

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