It takes a special kind of person to enrol to study as a midwife. They need to be caring and compassionate, knowledgeable and supportive and most importantly, dedicated to working around the clock to be available for the women they care for as they become mothers. They give up their own family time, to support other people in becoming a family.
Rosemary Arthur is a student who is in her first year of study. As a single mother of five children aged 15, 13, 11, seven and four, she has had many of her own birth experiences and wanted a career that allowed her to provide for her family, while being able to witness new parents begin their journey into parenthood. She decided that midwifery would be a perfect fit.
“I have had the pleasure of having the support of some amazing midwives. I have also had some not so great ones. I want to be able to support women at one of their most life-changing moments in their lives. I have seen how a good midwife can change the birthing experience. Women need support and advocacy and I hope that I’m able to provide that for them,” Rosemary said.
Rosemary left a violent relationship six years ago and started her life over on the Gold Coast with her children. Juggling motherhood while studying was difficult financially, so Rosemary applied for a Griffith Futures Midwifery Scholarship to help cover the costs of new laptop, textbooks, and new uniforms that would support her study.
“I have studied at university previously, however, was never able to complete a degree due to family issues. This time I am determined to finish and have a career to support my kids. I want to show my children that no matter what you’ve been through, you can always achieve your dreams,” Rosemary shared.
The Griffith Futures Midwifery Scholarships are designed to support students enrolled in Griffith University’s Bachelor of Midwifery program who are experiencing financial hardship, carer responsibilities and/or social disadvantage.
Maximum value is $5,000 to $15,000 (paid in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 instalments), depending on which scholarship is awarded.
Rosemary was awarded a $15,000 scholarship and when she learned of the news she was in complete shock.
“I was in disbelief. It is a life changing amount of money. I would like to say THANK YOU to the people who donated funds to these scholarships. There are not enough words to express how grateful I am to be given this opportunity. The only way I can repay the kindness shown to me is to finish my degree and be an awesome midwife,” Rosemary said.
Rosemary’s thoughts are echoed by 32-year-old student Caitlin Withers, who was a recipient of a $2,500 scholarship.
“When I received news that my application was successful, I was over the moon. I cried and even took a screenshot of the notification on my phone to send to my mum. I was able to replace my computer, purchase uniforms and load up my Translink Go Card, so I could take care of travel to and from the hospital for my clinical placements,” Caitlin said.
Caitlin who is also a mother of five children wants to become a midwife after being involved in the Logan Together community maternity hubs program and being a passionate advocate for women the last four years.
Caitlin is deeply grateful for her scholarship.
“I want to say a sincere thank you to those that donated to the scholarship, you’re changing people’s lives for the better. My biggest goal now is that one day, I’ll be in a position to offer the same thing to someone else like me,” Caitlin said.
Learn more about scholarships at Griffith online.
Help open doors to student education by financially contributing to a scholarship.