Inspired by nature
Driven by a love of plants and animals, and with a particular affinity for birds, Catherine, a previous Augustus Short Scholarship recipient, tells us about her journey before and after receiving the scholarship.
Spending much of her childhood in Wallaroo, a small coastal town in South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, Catherine made the move to Adelaide to pursue her passion of studying animals through a Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) at the University of Adelaide.
“My year 12 teacher encouraged me to apply for an Augustus Short Scholarship to help with the costs of moving so far away from my family and home,” she said.
Being financially independent with a reliable income from the Augustus Short Scholarship allowed Catherine to focus on university life while adapting to living away from home.
Career highlights
After completing her undergraduate degree in 2020, Catherine was accepted into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Adelaide, an achievement she credits to receiving the scholarship.
“The highlights of my postgraduate degree include working with Dr Todd McWhorter on my research project, studying an option to control feral cats.
“It was interesting to have hands on experience examining CT scans and learning new skills of analysis and research writing,” Catherine said.
Life after university
Upon graduation, Catherine is eager to work with companion animals or wildlife.
A message for our donor community
“When you make a gift to the Augustus Short Scholarship fund, you are offering a lifeline to students from regional areas. You are showing us where we live shouldn’t determine whether or not we go to uni.”
“University for me meant leaving the security of my home and my community. What made a difference was receiving a scholarship that helped me buy textbooks, put petrol in my car and contribute towards food.”
It’s hard to explain the impact the scholarship had on my life – I simply don’t know how I would have been able to stay at uni without it.” Catherine
Make a gift today
Created to support high-performing students who are financially or geographically disadvantaged, the Augustus Short scholarships significantly impact student success and are in great demand.
In 2021, there were 73 Augustus Short Scholarship applications, but only three could be awarded. Your gift will have a direct impact on disadvantaged students across the state for years to come.