Scholarship recognises commitment to study

In the early days of Sunrise, a scholarship fund was set up with EIT to support one or two students each year who are facing hardship or where financial assistance will make a difference.

This year Jaedi Davies received one of the scholarships, recognising her commitment to study and acknowledging the daily three-hour return trip from Tokomaru Bay she makes to attend her Bachelor of Nursing classes.

“I was so lucky to get the scholarship in my first year when I was doing the prep course. It helped so much with travel costs.”

Jaedi first considered a career in nursing while living in Australia, after her son who is now 8, was born with complications. Ison-Kene required a tracheostomy and a 6-month stay in intensive care.

“The way they helped my son when he was a baby gave me an appreciation of how much nurses do.”

“After moving back to NZ in 2019, I told my partner I wanted to study nursing. He’s been so supportive.”

Days start at 5.30 am getting lunchboxes ready for both of their children and making sure Ison-Kene has his medical equipment packed before catching the bus to Tolaga Bay school.

“My partner has family at Toko and we have good friends there who support us with the kids if we need it. If I’m not home when they get off the bus, there’s always someone who will help.”

“My end goal is to become a community nurse on the Coast. We lack medical professionals there, so if I can help fill that gap and be closer to home, that’d be awesome.”