Terra always hoped to be the first in her family to attend university, but financial stress at home meant her goals felt out of reach.
“I had all these big plans, but I had no support or funding to do them,” says Terra. “I’ve been raised by my single dad who’s been quite unwell for some time, so there just wasn’t money.”
Her determination didn’t go unnoticed. In her final year of high school, Terra’s hard work and resilience were recognised by staff.
“My principal actually suggested the scholarship program for me,” says Terra. “She saw how hard I was working and encouraged me to apply.”
That encouragement paid off. Now Terra is in her third year of a Bachelor of Paramedicine at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Thanks to help from Youth Off The Streets’ National Scholarship Program, she’s working towards her future goals – which include helping others.
“My studies have been quite hard, but despite all the challenges, it’s taught me a lot,” says Terra. “I chose to do paramedicine because it’s about helping people. I really enjoy it.”
Support that opened doors
Terra still remembers the shock of her first year at university, when the real costs began to add up.
“When my cohort all went for our uniform fittings, so many students were shocked when they realised the fee had to be paid upfront,” she says.
“Going into a paramedical degree, I was pretty unaware of the financial side of things. The uniforms alone are nearly $800 every year. I didn’t actually know about all the costs that needed to come out of pocket, so a lot of the scholarship funding helped me pay for that.”
For Terra, the scholarship eased a huge amount of pressure and allowed her to stay focused on her studies.
“Having that support gave me a sense of confidence, because I didn’t have to worry about the financial burden,” she says. “I didn’t have to wait around to buy equipment or uniforms like a lot of the other students did – I could get what I needed straight away.”
The support also helped Terra stay connected to her studies while living in rural Queensland.
“It helped me with course fees and personal costs, like travel,” she says. “With help from my mentor, I was able to use the funding to actually get to university – it literally helped me get from A to B.”
“All the support – both the funding and mentoring – helped me get my foot in the door. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do it without this scholarship.”
Mentoring that made all the difference
The impact of the scholarship went further than financial support. Through it, Terra was connected with a mentor, Susana, who has become a central part of her journey.
“What started out as a mentoring journey has actually turned into a genuine friendship,” says Terra. “Susana has taught me a lot in terms of personal life skills like keeping organised and sticking to a schedule.”
Read more: Susana and other volunteers share how the experience has made a difference to their lives
The support has extended beyond academic guidance.
“Even if there wasn’t much to talk about with uni, she always just checked in on me,” says Terra. “A genuine checkup – seeing how I was going and what’s been happening – has made such a difference.”
Susana’s influence has been both practical and personal.
“She’s taught me to stay resilient by sharing her own stories from university,” says Terra. “She’s always in a positive mood and I look up to her as a caring, compassionate role model.”
“She’s been my biggest support,” Terra says of her mentor.
Looking ahead
Terra’s schedule isn’t slowing down anytime soon – she has three placements lined up over the next 12 months.
“I’m just, as they say, ‘locking in’ and trying to get that done,” she says. “At the end of my studies, I’ll try to get a graduate job with the Queensland Ambulance Service.”
While Terra isn’t sure whether she wants to work in a city or more remotely, she’s keeping her options open.
“There’s a lot out there, so I think I’m just going to see how my placements go.”
Despite the challenges she’s faced, Terra is incredibly proud of how far she’s come.
“I’ve come a long way in terms of personal growth, especially with all the support and life skills I’ve learned through the mentoring,” she says.
Last year brought its own set of hurdles.
“I was really unwell at the end of last year and that created a lot of barriers for me with placement,” she explains. “I also had challenges with my living situation and things going on with family.”
But through it all, she’s found strength to persevere.
“Overcoming those things has helped me develop so much resilience and gratitude,” says Terra. “I know that will really help me in my career and wherever I end up in the next couple of years.”
When she reflects on the role the scholarship has played in her journey, Terra doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s been absolutely life changing.”
National Scholarship Program applications are now open
The Youth Off The Streets National Scholarship Program supports young people who are determined to continue their education or training and would benefit from additional support to reach their full potential.
Applications for the 2026 program are open now and close on Friday 15 May.
Apply for the National Scholarship Program
