For the second year, Symbion and the Guild have launched the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Student Scholarship Initiative.
The scholarship aims to support and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacy students undertaking studies in pharmacy and to facilitate growth in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment.
One of three 2023 winners, Tameera Guivarra, says that winning the scholarship has given her more time to focus on her studies.
“Having that scholarship for my final year really made it easier to focus on my final exams and preparations for intern year, as I was not spending all of my time stressing about how many hours I needed to work to cover all of the costs,” Tameera said.
“It was incredibly reassuring to know that I could spend a small bit of time actually relaxing after university before working full time for intern year.
“Unfortunately intern year can be very expensive…so having the backup felt like a HUGE relief.”
It also provided a boost as her career took flight into her intern year in community pharmacy.
“For me, next steps are finishing my HMR [Home Medicines Review] accreditation, passing my intern exams and spending time next year really honing my skills as a pharmacist.”
In 2024, two scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled to study a Certificate III in Community Pharmacy, who will receive support and guidance from a mentor and employment opportunities through TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies via a supported career pathway.
Scholarship recipients will also be awarded funds of $5,000 each year they are enrolled in their Pharmacy Assistant Certificate III course, up to $10,000 each.
So if you or someone you know is eligible to apply, more information is available on the Guild website. Applications close on 26 May.
And from Tameera: “I say go for it - you will find your place and your niche that you love, even if pharmacy is just one small step towards a bigger life goal for you.”
2023 scholarship winner Tameera Guivarra and her family
