We would like to introduce you to the first of our University of Waikato, Braemar Charitable Trust Bachelor of Nursing scholarship recipients, Rachel Harrison. Rachel is a second year nursing student and as described by Rachel “was born and raised in Kirikiriroa by her wonderful parents along with her four siblings and enjoys music, being outdoors, and spending time with her family”. This year the Braemar Charitable Trust has provided two scholarships for second year nursing students. Rachel told us that she has “always loved science and upon graduating high school, felt prompted to pursue a career where I could use that passion to help others. That being said, studying nursing seemed like the perfect fit for me and I'm so glad to have found something I am passionate about so early on in life”.
Rachels’ future aspirations include completing her Bachelor of Nursing and becoming part of the healthcare workforce. Connected to this whenua through her whakapapa as a member of Waikato-Tainui, Rachel would “like to keep things local as Waikato is my home and I believe my experience here best qualifies me to serve the people of this community. When I get the chance I would also like to explore more of our beautiful backyard by visiting more parts of New Zealand. I look forward to helping and learning from the people that I will get the chance to serve as a nurse”.
Trust Manager Paula Baker said that the panel was impressed with Rachel’s desire to help individuals and families navigate through their healthcare journeys by empowering them with knowledge and resources in addition to simply caring for them and to “provide human connection in what can often be an uncertain and vulnerable time”. Paula said “Rachel is a hard working student with excellent grades and a clear desire to develop her clinical knowledge and to connect with her patients”. The Braemar Nursing scholarship comes with a 4 week paid internship opportunity, “we are sure Rachel will benefit from expanding her knowledge and skills through being part of the Braemar scholarship programme. We look forward to fostering Rachel’s passion for nursing over the coming year.”
