Small town love encourages paramedic student to give back to her community

CQUniversity Bachelor of Paramedic Science student Britney Hannay knows her career will change lives and has her dedication to her community serving as inspiration.

"I have always had a passion to help people and wanted a career where I could feel rewarded after I was given a challenge'"

Britney said.

"I am from the rural town of Armac in central Queensland which has a tight-knit community. My neighbours' teachers' friends' and family have helped me growing up. In return' I would love to bring them the support and help they deserve in a rural area."

"Studying paramedics felt like the perfect fit for me."

This passion to develop' nourish and support her local community did not go unnoticed' with Britney receiving the CQUniCares Connellan Airways Trust Scholarship to assist her studies.

"I planned to study online in my hometown and was able to do this because CQUniversity offered an online course' but with the financial assistance from my scholarship' I was able to change my study mode to on-campus and make the move to Townsville'"

she said

"The scholarship has helped me afford equipment for my practicals I attend each week and soon it will help me proceed in buying more equipment for my placements in 2022."

Although she described the experience of moving more than six hours away from Armac as 'daunting'' the 18-year-old has found her second home at CQUniversity Townsville.

"I chose to study on campus at Townsville as it wasn't far from home and still has the friendly feel of a regional community'"

Britney explained.

"My experience so far has been fun' challenging and overall' such an eye-opener. I have made good friends that are always organising study groups and we even catch up for lunch dates and attend events together."

"The campus staff treat everyone like family' and everyone is well supported throughout their learning."

She hoped to encourage others living in rural communities to realise the opportunities available and pursue higher education.

"It can be a daunting experience' but if you have your dream and goals ready to roll' get straight into work and push through all the challenges. I thank myself and the support I have had from others to motivate me'"

Britney said.

"Even now the Armac community is supporting me through my study journey. The local ambulance has reached out to me multiple times and offered to help me in any way. This involves working with them and the equipment to further my studies and helping them on call outs as a volunteer driver."

"I count myself very lucky as I know others would not get this opportunity in large cities. I am very excited and cannot wait to learn from qualified paramedics and endeavour in my training."

The CQUniCares Scholarship program changes lives and CQUni is grateful to partner with the Connellan Airways Trust who share the University's passion for making a difference in the lives of our remote students' their families and our communities.

The Connellan Airways Trust is a not-for-profit organisation established by Australian pioneer aviator E.J. Connellan to assist people who reside in Outback Australia through grants and scholarships with more than $4.2 million provided since 1981.