Heidi is in the third year of a four-year Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast. The coursework, lectures and study are only part of the challenges she faces as she copes with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition she has had since the age of 14.
Now aged 26, Heidi (pictured above left) finds the condition is a major hindrance when it comes to writing those all-important lecture notes by hand. However, last year, Heidi was one of two USC students presented with the inaugural STEPS Bursary, of $1,000 each.
With the bursary Heidi purchased a notebook computer, which she states makes her life a great easier as “it’s less painful and time-consuming to type notes during lectures than to write them by hand ”
I started university I completed my first year full-time and by the end of the first semester I knew that social work was the Heidi says. My life experiences bring understanding of hardship, discrimination and lack of advocacy and I felt like I understood a fair bit about the tough situations life sometimes throws at people. I can develop my interest in the welfare of others and help people strive to empower themselves by reaching their goals.”
Another part of what made me go to university was that I was working in retail all day, climbing ladders, and it was becoming too it was taking its toll on my body. I also felt unsatisfied; I knew I was not fulfilling my interest and ”
Heidi says she applied for the STEPS bursary during her second year of university. A panel from the University of the Sunshine Coast judge the successful applicants from a range of predetermined s Disability office.
I work closely with the disability officer at the university who understands my case, which I find extremely helpful on a practical said Heidi.
“I strongly recommend others to apply for the bursary it has definitely helped me and made it easier to complete my studies,” Heidi says. “It’s amazing how beneficial and encouraging a little help can be and for this I am very grateful to STEPS.”
