Double delight for nursing student

A first-year student who underwent open heart surgery as a high school student has received two lots of good news in recent weeks that will help her realise a dream of becoming a nurse.

Ashley Smith was the smiling recipient of a Vice-Chancellor’s Award valued at $6000 in Alice Springs last week. This followed news that she had won the $5000 Charlie Bell Scholarship, awarded each year to a student who had overcome a serious illness and still succeeded in their studies. 

“I’m most grateful to CDU,” Ashley said.

“I won’t have to worry about things like text books, especially for the first year.”

She said the health issues she experienced as a child were instrumental in her decision to enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing at CDU.

“I had open heart surgery when I was in Year 9, and I suffer from migraines nearly every day.

“I know what it’s like to be on the other side,” she said in reference to being a medical patient.

“I’ve always loved science, helping others and children, so I’d like to become a paediatric nurse after I’ve completed my studies.”

Ashley said she was looking forward to the next three years.

“The first two weeks of university life have been challenging but I’m learning lots,” she said.