Meet Taylor Hallett

Taylor Hallet grew up in the wide-open planes of western Queensland, dreaming of one day changing the world.

After seeing first hand the lack of resources and staff shortages that hospitals face in these areas, she knew that it wasn’t the world she was going to change, it was someone’s life.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

She enrolled in the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)’s Bachelor of Nursing program, and was subsequently awarded the Access Excellence Scholarship and Felicity Purcell Nursing Bursary.

We caught up with Taylor to ask her about her university experience so far.

Can you tell us about what made you decide to study nursing?

After some work experience opportunities in high school, I became adamant that nursing was the career for me due to my fondness of the people I was meeting and the invaluable stories I would hear from all walks of life. At the end of the day, nursing fulfilled my childhood dream of changing the world, for while I may not be able to change the world, I have the potential to change someone’s world.

Why did you apply to UniSQ?

After looking into various universities, I made the decision that UniSQ would be the perfect fit for my next few years of education. The Bachelor of Nursing course is offered externally, which allowed me to stay rural while completing my course. The staff at UniSQ are so incredibly wonderful and can answer any questions you have about applying, available scholarships and course information. As a current student I can confidently say that UniSQ facilitators have never missed a beat, from helping me navigate my StudyDesk to helping me rearrange residential schools and placements. The content delivered is exceptional, and I have always felt completely prepared for all assessment tasks.

You’re an Access Excellence Scholarship Recipient and a Felicity Purcell Nursing Bursary Recipient. Can you tell us about this application process, why you applied, and what it meant to you to receive these?

I cannot stress enough how incredibly life-changing it is to receive a scholarship. As a rural student, I knew that there would be financial burdens in terms of travelling, accommodation, placements, and resources. Therefore, I decided that I needed to apply for a scholarship. Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate receiving two scholarships. These scholarships have enabled me to pay for textbooks, uniforms, and travel for residential school. They have removed immense pressure and allowed me to place my academic achievements at the forefront of my focus. While scholarships go a long way in helping students to be able to go to university and make a difference in their field, they also symbolise the philanthropic donors and families that want to see students do well at university and excel in their chosen careers. This is such a great feeling to be on the receiving end of someone’s gift. Families like Felicity Purcell’s are turning something of mourning into such beautiful memoriam of her life for many aspiring nurses. As a scholarship receiver, this is something I cherish and has really inspired me to think of a future where I can donate to scholarships just like the Access Excellence Scholarship and Felicity Purcell Nursing Bursary

How has it helped? Can you tell us about your study journey so far?

These scholarships have allowed me to excel academically by taking away financial burdens I would have otherwise faced. My study journey at UniSQ has been nothing short of exciting and I have learned to really test myself and step outside my comfort zone. The facilitators and organised content make me look forward to study and look beyond to my career in nursing.

What’s your advice to students thinking about studying nursing and applying for these scholarships/bursaries?

My biggest advice to students studying nursing and applying for these scholarships is just do it. Do not be put off by the application process because the half hour it takes will seem like nothing if you are a successful recipient of a scholarship. Another piece of advice I would share would be to throw your hat in the ring for all that you are eligible for. Most importantly if you are fortunate enough to receive it, I would like to stress that you thank those who have made it possible for you to receive the scholarship.

What is your dream for the future after finishing your degree?

My dream for my future at the completion of my degree will be to remain in my rural community working as a Registered Nurse, before continuing my studies at UniSQ, to complete my Midwifery degree. Further, nothing would make me happier than to be able to contribute to a scholarship to help rural students much like myself, in the way some magnificent people have helped me during my own study journey – a gift I will remember and cherish forever.

Learn more about the Access Excellence Scholarship and the Felicity Purcell Nursing Bursary.