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Monique gains scholarship for dream degree
A young Sippy Downs woman who feared she’d never continue her education has overcome the challenges of an autoimmune disease to gain entry to her dream degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Monique Morgan, 21, who will start her Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) when Semester 1 starts in mid-February.
“I never thought I’d get to university but USC has made it possible. It means the world to me because I want to become a psychologist and help kids with chronic illness.”
Monique was diagnosed with a type of lupus called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when she was 14 years old. Her younger brother Michael, now 17, has an even rarer form of the condition.
Debilitating symptoms which affect their joints, skin and organs often leave the siblings housebound. Both need expensive medications and frequent hospital stays at Nambour and Brisbane.
“I did Year 10 through distance education and tried to do senior at Siena College but couldn’t finish,” Monique said.
“I’d wanted to go to uni my whole life and when I got sick I was devastated. USC had an Open Day in 2009 and Mum urged me to see if there was a way.”
Monique found USC’s popular Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) program and completed it at her own pace. She gained the skills, confidence and admission assistance for the USC Bachelor degree this year.
“The TPP teachers and Disability Services were so supportive and considerate and I built up my stamina through it,” she said.
She is delighted that Michael is following in her educational footsteps and has also gained entry to TPP this year.
Monique this month received a Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship to assist the cost of her education. Worth $6,000 over three years, it is awarded for high academic achievement, leadership skills and financial need.
“My family couldn’t believe it when I got the scholarship in the mail,” she said. “I’m so thankful for everything the uni’s done and the opportunities that TPP has given me.”
Monique, who has volunteered for Maroochydore Library’s Housebound Service, hopes her psychology career will encourage a holistic approach to treating illness in children.
“You don’t have to be depressed to benefit from counselling – sometimes kids just need someone to talk to, to hear how they’re feeling.”
– Julie Gatehouse