Olivia Parenti has learnt a lot during her nursing degree, but one lesson stands out.
"I've learnt that everyone has a unique set of circumstances that influences their health and wellbeing. Nursing has reinforced the importance of empathy, communication and looking at the whole person, not just the particular issue they have come in for help with," she said.
The Townsville local is studying a Bachelor of Nursing at James Cook University. Olivia's family is in the city and she plans to stay in Townsville after graduating.
"I want to help my community and be close to family. I'm so glad I can do that while also developing my career," she said.
Olivia received the 2026 JCU Bridging Excellence Scholarship. It provides $10,000 over two years for final-year Diploma of Nursing Students at TAFE Queensland in Townsville or Cairns or Mater Education in Townsville who are heading to JCU to complete a nursing degree.
She said the scholarship helps ease the financial pressures of university and allows her to focus more on her studies.
"Without it, I likely would have needed to pick up more work shifts to help cover living and study expenses, taking time away from my coursework and making it harder to maintain a healthy study-life balance," she said.
