Samantha Forrest
Bachelor of Paramedic Science student
When Samantha Forrest started a Bachelor of Paramedic Science at USC, she not only became the first Indigenous student to enrol in the program, but has achieved an almost-perfect grade point average across her first four courses.
Samantha, who achieved a High Distinction in all but one of her courses in her first semester of study, describes the Paramedic Science degree as “exciting, fun and extremely interesting”.
She says the Indigenous Alternative Entry Program helped her gain entry to USC, while the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) provided valuable tutorial assistance.
“The ITAS program was very helpful, with my tutor helping me to keep on-track and organise my work,” Samantha says.
Samantha was awarded a Commonwealth Equity Scholarship to help cover the costs of her study. She also took advantage of facilities provided by USC Indigenous Services, such as study and common rooms and a cultural resource library.
“The student library and Indigenous room really helped,” she says.
“With the access to these rooms I was able to spend my spare time between classes working on essays and assignments.
“The scholarship assistance helped pay for textbooks and living expenses so that I could concentrate on my studies more, and work less.”
Samantha says she would recommend USC to others, because it offers a “great amount of contact with some amazing tutors”.