Ever since I could speak a single word, my dream occupation has been to become a veterinary surgeon. As a young child I loved watching Dr Chris Brown, in Bondi Vet, helping these animals, and their owners that were in a dilemma around the 2010’s. However, with the release of ‘Vet on the Hill’ in 2016, Dr Scott Miller, caught my attention. His passion, commitment, and dedication to help save these animals to the best of his ability when it was released, is almost heroic to witness on television. I would have loved to see more females in this field and am inspired to follow my passion.

These types of shows being streamed on television grew my urge to want to become a veterinarian. Being able to say ‘I saved a life today’ for the rest of my life, is rewarding. In further research for possible pathways or bridges I could take to become a veterinarian, I found that after completing year 12, and getting an ATAR of 90 or above, I will need to be enrolled and studying at the University of Adelaide. As well as living in Adelaide whilst I complete my 5 to 7 years of study.

Moving from a rural community, into a metropolitan region, creates challenges for many individuals. The challenge of moving and trying to ensure that you have a safe environment to live at in an unknown place. Being away from home creates a sense of freedom, but you lose your support network, the people who have your back your whole lifetime. It’s difficult to stay in contact with family and friends online, rather than in person. Trying to figure out how you’re going to pay the fees, can you afford it? Will I have enough money for necessities? Will I be able to balance both study and my social life?

If I were to graduate and qualify to become a veterinarian, by staying in Adelaide I would have more of a chance to be hired, as there are more opportunities in the metropolitan regions (higher population, more pets, higher demand). More, and more opportunities for someone to be hired in the veterinary side of occupations.

Whereas, in a small rural town, where everyone knows everyone and it’s hard to get away with anything. There is only ever 1 vet available, even then, it will be located in the next town over, an inconvenience for many individuals. Over the past few years of living in the Riverland, I have not seen anyone try to make a difference to this issue within the town.

The life of university is not only about receiving the top education, but also making lifelong friendships and important, valuable connections as you grow as an individual. Which can be difficult to pursue when a person with a rural background interacts with a city dweller.

Having both city and rural backgrounds interacting and cooperating with each other creates a diverse range of ideas, thought processes, and problem solving. Having the distinct difference in diversity of backgrounds between leaders is a crucial aspect. It brings a greater depth into perspective, and experience to the table. I want to be a leader in this interaction, following my dreams and showing rural young women that they can take a leap of faith and do anything they dream of!

My role as a young leader is to support other young females in sharing my story and setting an example.