Working as a humanitarian nurse on overseas relief missions is one of many options being explored by new school-leaver Sabrina Zwanink who starts a Nursing Science degree at USC this month.

The Maryborough Riverside Christian College OP6 graduate plans to eventually gain qualifications as a midwife and is considering working in Australia’s remote Indigenous communities.

“I’ve always been interested in the health sector and aspire to be someone who can make a difference in the world,” said Sabrina, who will study at USC’s Fraser Coast campus.

The 17-year-old said her interest in humanitarian work was sparked by a two-week school program last year working with Indigenous youth in Australia’s Gulf Country.

She said nursing offered an opportunity to provide care and compassion to those in need and she was excited by the thought of helping to bring new life into the world.

“I had intended to explore pathways to becoming a doctor, but nursing appeals more to me because you have the opportunity to be more one-on-one with people.”

Sabrina was an Academic Prefect in Year 12 and was awarded an ADF Long Tan Award that recognises students who demonstrate teamwork and leadership within their schools and their communities.

She excelled at science and qualified for the national finals of the Science and Engineering Challenge and placed first in the Year 11 category in USC’s Science Research Awards.

Sabrina said she was pleased she could gain qualifications for a rewarding career while still living at home.

“It is expensive to live and study in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, so I can save by staying on the Fraser Coast and also receive the benefits of studying on a smaller campus,” she said.

“I like that the smaller class sizes allow for good peer relationships to form. I am looking forward to studying towards my dream career and making friends who are also working towards the same goal.”

Nursing Science is the most popular degree at USC Fraser Coast, which also offers full degrees in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management, Animal Ecology, Business, Commerce (Accounting), Human Services and Primary Education.

Students can complete the first year of degrees in Science, Secondary Education, Social Work, Counselling, Psychology and Social Science and one-year diplomas in Business Innovation, Science and Technology, and Social and Human Services.

Applications are still open to study at USC in Semester 1, 2019.

— Clare McKay