How an alternative pathway helped Eli pursue his dream

For many school leavers, finishing Year 12 can feel like a make-or-break moment. ATAR scores, university offers and career expectations create enormous pressure.

But for Biomedical Science student Eli Bastow, not getting the score he hoped for led him to somewhere even better.

Now studying at Charles Darwin University, Eli is using an alternative route to work towards his ultimate goal of becoming a doctor, all while building a life and community he never expected to find in Darwin.

“There is so much pressure put on your ATAR,” he said. "It’s such a stressful time, but it’s important to remember to still enjoy your final year and know that even if you don’t get the score you want, there is always another way. I didn’t get the score I was hoping for, but it worked out better in the end because I got to move up here and live an incredible life you wouldn’t get in a bigger city.”

A path with purpose

Originally from Brisbane, Eli relocated to Darwin after hearing stories from his brother, who worked with CareFlight in the Northern Territory.

“My brother would tell me about his experience flying all over the Northern Territory to provide vital health care to those living in remote communities. The work was tough but rewarding, in locations that sounded beautiful.”

Now living in student accommodation at CDU’s Casuarina campus, Eli is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with the aim of progressing into CDU’s Bachelor of Clinical Sciences / Doctor of Medicine.

“I’m working towards earning a high enough GPA to progress into the Medical degree and, hopefully, become a qualified doctor in six years,” he said.

For Eli, Biomedical Science has provided the ideal stepping stone into uni, helping him build his independence and foundational knowledge.

“It’s good that Biomed isn’t as full-on straight away,” he said. “It’s a great pre-course for medicine from High School because I have autonomy to get the work done without the same pressure as the Medicine program.”

Inspired to make a difference

Eli’s passion for healthcare began during a YWAM Outback mission trip to a remote village in Fiji while he was in high school. It was there he saw firsthand how difficult accessing healthcare can be for remote communities.

“The locals of the village walked 10 kilometers to see us. It was the first time they had seen a doctor in two years. It just goes to show how remote areas are overlooked when it comes to basic care.”

This trip had a profound impact on Eli. He found his calling.

“That’s what drew me to Medicine. I want to make a difference and provide the same level of care we have so readily available to us to people who really need it.”

His long-term goal is to work in regional and remote healthcare, particularly alongside First Nations communities.

More than just a degree

Eli says one of the things that surprised him most about studying at CDU was how connected and community-focused the learning experience is.

“At CDU we learn more than just the usual course modules,” he said. “There’s a focus on broader community outreach. We get first-hand First Nations health perspectives and learn how to work effectively with Indigenous communities, which can be applied to minority groups globally.”

The smaller class sizes and hands-on learning environment have also helped him feel more engaged in his studies.

Outside the classroom, Eli has embraced the Territory lifestyle completely.

“I love that my week is spent working and studying, and my weekends are spent fishing and camping in National Parks right on our doorstep,” he said.

Alongside study, Eli works as a swim instructor at the YMCA, plays in Darwin’s local baseball league and performs cello with the local orchestra.

Living on campus has also helped him quickly build friendships and settle into life in Darwin.

“The student accommodation is fully furnished, so all I had to bring was clothes and books,” he said. “It’s got a great culture and a packed social calendar with events happening every week.”

There’s always another pathway

As someone who once worried about not achieving the ATAR he wanted, Eli hopes other students understand that one score does not define their future.

“There is always a way to get into the course or profession you want,” he said.

For Eli, the pathway provided by CDU did more than lead him towards medicine – it led him to a new city, new opportunities and a future focused on making a meaningful impact.

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