Meet Rafia, she is currently in her third year studying a Bachelor of Science and Advanced Studies, majoring in applied medical science and infectious disease. Because of the generosity of supporters, she has been able to navigate adversity and is on track to follow in her great-grandfather’s footsteps as an epidemiologist.
Growing up in Bangladesh, at 12 years old, Rafia was forced to abandon her schooling due to the political unrest occurring in the country. Determined not to let her studies falter, Rafia persisted and homeschooled to the end of high school. Showing huge promise from a young age, it was her dream to study at a prestigious university overseas. Thanks to a Commonwealth-supported position, in 2020, this dream became a reality when she was granted a place at the University of Sydney.
Rafia’s great-grandfather was an infectious disease researcher. He made significant steps forward in the fight against cholera. “His work is well documented in science books. He was an epidemiologist, and I aspire to follow in his footsteps,” she says.
Inspired by this, she recalls the first time she viewed the world through a microscope and was hooked from there on. “I am captivated by parasites. Their complexity and oddities are intriguing, and I could spend hours observing them under a microscope.”
As her studies continued, Rafia’s university results were going from strength to strength, but finances were always tight. She lives with a disability which necessitates frequent specialist visits and treatments not fully covered by Medicare, along with expensive non-PBS medications, equipment maintenance and treatments. “Financially, I'm reliant on Youth Allowance, and after essential expenses such as rent and grocery, funds are scarce.”
When her uncle sadly passed away, she had to travel back to Bangladesh. The cost of travel meant there was simply no money for the essential healthcare she required, and she was caught in a financial predicament. “I felt I had a hole in my pocket. I couldn’t save anything. Rent, grocery, specialist appointments, it just consumed it up.”
Faced with the prospect of having to suspend her degree to find full-time employment, a donor-funded emergency bursary gave her a helping hand.
The bursary was a lifeline for covering medication, specialist fees, and crucial living expenses like a new laptop and meals.
Rafia
Bursary recipient
“The bursary was a lifeline for covering medication, specialist fees, and crucial living expenses like a new laptop and meals.”Rafia
Bursary recipient
“The bursary was a lifeline for covering medication, specialist fees, and crucial living expenses like a new laptop and meals. This support allowed me to concentrate on my university studies, maintaining an exemplary record and receiving several accolades, including the Dalyell Scholars invitation and the Denison Summer Research Scholarship.”
When asked what she would say to the generous donors who have supported the bursary, Rafia said:
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the donors for their generosity. Your support has not only alleviated my financial burdens but also provided me with the opportunity to excel academically without the distraction of financial stress. It has allowed me to focus on my studies, maintain an exceptional academic record, and achieve accolades I never thought possible. Your kindness has truly made a difference in my life, and I am profoundly thankful.”