Second-year nursing student Abigail Arguelles is the inaugural winner of the Braemar Charitable Trust Scholarship in Nursing.
The Braemar Charitable Trust established several health-focused scholarships in 2021 to support promising students to make a difference in community health. This year’s recipient was chosen based on her consistent high grades and commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in the health sector.
Originally from the Philippines, Abigail’s path to studying at Waikato wasn’t straight-forward. She initially studied nursing at the University of Auckland before switching to pharmacology after her first year. After two years of pharmacology, Abigail realised her real passion was nursing.
“I enjoy interacting with people, seeing them improve and knowing that I have contributed to their lives in some way.”
Abigail was drawn to Waikato’s nursing degree because its structure is different within New Zealand. “Waikato were doing things differently and including more hands-on experience which suited my style of learning. Here at Waikato, the cohort of students and our lecturers are incredibly supportive and help me succeed. This degree really emphasises advocating for people.”
Abigail’s commitment to nursing is evident in her choice of work. She currently works as a Health Care Assistant, giving her the chance to put her studies into action. “In my work I am able to put my degree into practice and I can tell I am advocating for the vulnerable people who are often overlooked by the health sector.”
Abigail says she is grateful for the support of Braemar Charitable Trust as it helps reduce the financial pressure that comes with studying, and it affirms she is on the right path.
Braemar Charitable Trust manager Paula Baker says the trust is pleased to offer the scholarship to such a deserving recipient.
“On behalf of Braemar Charitable Trust, I congratulate Abigail on receiving the inaugural scholarship, and wish her well with her studies and career. It is pleasing to see such dedication to our vulnerable communities in health.”
Braemar Charitable Trust also funds the Bachelor of Health Scholarship and a Master of Business Administration bursary for a candidate in health leadership, and two annual summer research scholarships.
