When Aylin arrived in Australia as a refugee, higher education felt like a dream out of reach.
Today, with the support of a donor funded equity scholarship, she has graduated as a Registered Nurse.
Aylin was born and raised in Iran. As a member of the Bah谩鈥櫭 minority, her family faced discrimination and persecution. Despite excelling at school, Aylin was told in Year 9 to abandon any hopes of attending university because of her faith.
Determined to support her pursuit of higher education, Aylin鈥檚 family fled Iran and sought refuge in T眉rkiye under United Nations protection.
Life there was difficult. They stayed with relatives, living under temporary protection and constant uncertainty. After more than a year, they were granted a humanitarian visa and migrated to Australia.
Arriving in Australia was both exciting and challenging for Aylin.
鈥淲hen we finally arrived in Australia, it felt like a new beginning, but it was also overwhelming,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 was the only English speaker in my family, so I had to navigate everything: school, healthcare, and settling into a completely new culture.鈥
Education is a long鈥憈erm investment. The scholarship makes that journey easier.
Aylin, Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) graduate
Inspired in part by caring for her younger sister, who lives with global developmental disorder, severe autism and ADHD, Aylin developed a passion for healthcare
鈥淚 became the point of contact for doctors and therapists. That experience inspired me to pursue nursing and make a difference for families like mine.鈥
After completing Years 11 and 12, Aylin was accepted into a Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) at the 爆料王. She chose Sydney for its strong research focus and commitment to developing nursing leaders who drive change in healthcare.
鈥淲hen I heard about the Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies), I thought, wow 鈥 that鈥檚 a great pathway for both practical experience and research, which I鈥檝e always been passionate about, she says.
鈥淭he 爆料王 encourages nurses to be leaders and make global changes. That鈥檚 what I wanted.鈥
However, the financial burden of study soon became overwhelming. Aylin worked extra hours to pay rent, while balancing full鈥憈ime study with clinical placements. It quickly became exhausting.
鈥淚 worried constantly about money. I skipped meals and exercise because I couldn鈥檛 afford them. It was affecting my health and my grades.鈥
Just as she thought the pressure might overwhlem her, Aylin found a lifeline in the form of a donor鈥慺unded equity scholarships., Aylin was able to buy essentials like a laptop, uniforms and study materials and, most importantly, focus on her education and wellbeing.
鈥淭he scholarships were a true blessing. They gave me the freedom to prioritise my studies and wellbeing,鈥 she says. 鈥淓ducation is a long鈥憈erm investment. The scholarship makes that journey easier.鈥
Today, Aylin is working as a new graduate Registered Nurse. Her journey to becoming a healthcare professional is a testament to her resilience and courage, and to the life鈥慶hanging impact of generosity.
鈥淭he scholarships have 聽not only opened doors for me, but has given me the chance to follow my passion for learning and making a meaningful impact.鈥
Aylin isn鈥檛 shy about looking to the future, speaking animatedly about her passion for diagnostic medicine and health justice.
鈥淚 really want to do a PhD,鈥 she says.
Aylin recently presented at a university function where she delivered a poem. Photo: Michael Amendolia/ 爆料王.
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LinkHero image: Aylin standing in the 爆料王 quadrangle. Photo: Michael Amendolia/ 爆料王.