SCHOLARSHIP HELPS MAKE CHILDHOOD DREAM A REALITY.

A local care worker’s childhood dream of becoming a nurse is within reach, 40 years later, after being awarded the Beryl Wiltshire Scholarship, which will support her studies.

Celina Gibson, who initially joined Churches of Christ in 2014 as a cleaner, started her Bachelor of Nursing and Science last year, however the mounting costs of living, coupled with her university fees, was placing her under a real financial strain.

Ms Gibson said when she heard about the scholarship, she had to apply, and was delighted to be announced as one of four 2022 recipients. “I feel honoured and extremely grateful to have been chosen to receive funding from the Beryl Wiltshire Scholarship.

“The scholarship means the world to me as without receiving the financial assistance, I would not have been able to pursue my goal to become a registered nurse,” Ms Gibson said.

The annual scholarship grants successful applicants a share in $10,000 to help with the costs of study within the social, welfare and human services sectors.

For Ms Gibson, the funds will go towards paying for her second semester, which she hopes to start full-time this month, while also working in her full-time role at Churches of Christ Bribie Island Aged Care

Service. “I know it will be a challenge to juggle the two, but I am optimistic thanks to the support of the Bribie Island team. “I’m lucky I have a flexible employer who cares about up-skilling their employees,” Ms Gibson said. Ms Gibson’s desire to become a registered nurse was reinvigorated after learning more about the sector and progressing into care roles at Churches of Christ.

Now working as a Personal Care Worker at Bribie Island Aged Care, Ms Gibson has found a challenging and fulfilling position that complements her nursing degree. “I loved the pace, the residents and my coworkers, and I made some very special connections with staff and residents,” said Ms Gibson.

More information: Beryl Wiltshire AM had a long and distinguished career with Churches of Christ and was a deeply respected leader in the welfare and community services industry. She received the Order of Australia in 1996 for services in the field of Social Welfare. Her namesake scholarship helps with the cost of study for anyone pursuing a career within the social, welfare and human services sectors. It is valued at $10,000 and advertised annually to all Churches of Christ employees.