IntraSpace First Nations Nursing Scholarship 2021 recipient, Maria Mau, is in the third year of her Bachelor of Nursing studies at Deakin University.

It has been a challenging couple of years, not solely due to the pandemic, but also the demanding nature of remote learning. Maria has persevered in her studies and is working towards completing the program.

We recently caught up with her to uncover some insights into her current journey.

“The IntraSpace First Nations Nursing Scholarship has been more than helpful whilst studying. Living remotely and having to travel far from home can be quite difficult. With this scholarship, I was able to buy a laptop, stationery and textbooks and helped me with my student fees and daily travel and housing expenses.”

Maria also notes that the scholarship has helped her focus on her studies and not stress over student finance issues.

She has also completed work placement at Deakin University’s Warrnambool Rural Clinical School, which she found was a rewarding experience. During her time there, she got to work hands-on with IntraSpace medical storage fitouts, including wire shelving, IntraMed baskets, and more. IntraSpace also installed clinical storage for Deakin University Clinical Schools in Burwood, Geelong Waterfront, Waurn Ponds, and Ballarat.

Maria learnt to balance student life with the immersion of being a nurse within a working environment. Having the scholarship helped in lessening the stress during that period.

Asked about her aspirations for the future, Maria enthusiastically replied, “Once I have completed my nursing course, I’m aiming to get into a graduate program in order to gain more experience. I am still deciding on what field to specialise in. At this stage, I am learning the different specialised areas of nursing through a graduate program. I hope to go back home one day and be a registered nurse working in my community.”

“I am truly grateful for this scholarship support. I would like to thank IntraSpace for this opportunity in being the recipient of this scholarship. Thank you.”

Image courtesy of Maria Mau