Study assistance for aspiring vet

She worked as a farm hand on the property for many years, as well as working at a local sheep stud, which inspired her approach in providing a safe and nurturing environment for animals to live in.It’s no surprise then that Jemima has chosen to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Science.She is in the first year of her degree with Charles Sturt University, and she is one of 19 students to have received a $5000 Rural Bank Scholarship Program bursary to help cover the associated costs.‘‘I was very involved from an early age, specifically helping with the animals,’’ Miss Donovan said.‘‘I loved being a part of helping animals lead a healthy life. When we would have sick or injured lambs I took close care of them, to nurse them back to health for good production.‘‘Growing up in the country, being connected to the land, being connected to the community and getting to know everyone in the neighbourhood is something I’ll always value.‘‘I also love horses and have one of my own, so I love to ride when I have free time on the farm.’’Miss Donovan said while Coronavirus restrictions have interrupted the beginning of her university career, she said she’s managed to soak up a lot of useful information already.She said being a vet has always been her dream, and admitted she was not certain she would get to study it this year.‘‘I was really keen to apply for veterinary science but I didn’t think I had a chance to get in.‘‘I was prepared to keep applying no matter what, but when I got in on the first go I was so happy.‘‘I was quite nervous about moving away from home but it was really good while it lasted.‘‘I had an orientation week then straight into three weeks of semester.‘‘The course has turned out to be better then I would have ever thought. Straight away we were down in the stock yards learning with practical experience.‘‘It is really nice coming home though and we still have a lot of online learning at the moment, although I think there will be a lot of catch-up with the practical experience when we go back to campus.’’And now, with support from a scholarship, it will be easier for Jemima to reach her goals.The $5000 is intended to help cover course costs, study materials and equipment.Miss Donovan was chosen as a recipient because of her ‘‘passion for raising healthy livestock and healing animals’’.‘‘The funding will be really welcomed with all of the practical equipment needs I have for my second year of study,’’ she said.‘‘Part of it will go towards things like gumboots and equipment for the different farms and clinics I will have to work at.‘‘The rest will be used for tuition costs.‘‘I can’t wait to become a rural vet, I want to be equipped with as many skills as I can and work in a mixed practice.’’Subject to academic performance, the scholarship funding may be extended to support a second year of study.Until Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, Miss Donovan will continue to study from home and work on the farm.‘‘Being on a farm during isolation is the best place to be,’’ she said.‘‘University is still full steam ahead with a lot of online content so I go from being inside studying to out and about helping with our lambs.‘‘We also have ewes lambing, so I’m paying close attention to them.‘‘Shearing is definitely not something I’m super good at, but definitely something I have to get better at.’’