By Madison Gallaway, 2021 RSL Queensland Scholar
Wow what an honour to share a piece of my story here. I was raised by my two incredible parents who both served in the Royal Australian Navy – my late mum who served 8 years and my dad who served 20 years. They taught me early on the importance of fundamental life skills, unwavering commitment, discipline, resilience and more which has shaped me into the goal-driven woman I am today.
Breaking barriers, the first in my family to step into higher education, crafting a legacy one degree at a time.
My parents sacrificed a lot in their life, particularly my dad. Ric Gallaway, left home for a journey of a lifetime into the Royal Australian Navy at the mere age of 15 years old. Not knowing anyone or where his path would take him led him to be a part of one of the world’s most monumental moments in history. My dad’s career in the navy began as a cook before working his way up to a medic, instructed by the incredible Dave Lassam, Lieutenant Commander, RAN (Ret). He later served in one of the United Nations biggest missions the Operation Tamar UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda) 2 ASC (Australian Service Contingent) 2 1995. My dad was one of ten full time serving members to be awarded the UNAMIR medal.
This mission was huge for Australia and left what can only be described as an unforgettable devastating impact on so many individuals who served. Leaving scars too deep to touch or talk about. My dad saw more than the human eye ever should, and to this day it still leaves a trail etched into his memory. He did what he could to save the lives of innocent people and protect them from the cruelty happening outside. After this mission, dad retired from the Royal Australian Navy serving a total of 20 years. An honorable service and amount of time spent, which I will forever look up to and be proud of him for. My dad is grateful for the opportunities the Royal Australian Navy bestowed upon him and some of the forever friendships he still holds closely today.
My biggest thank you goes to my parents and the endless sacrifices they made to give me the best opportunity in life. I love you both.
People would describe me as my dad’s “mini me” and I am very much like him in a lot of ways. Much like him, I take risks and hope it turns into greater opportunities. At one point in my life, before leaving high school, I too thought long and hard about a journey into the navy and if it was for me. And whilst my head said yes, my heart said no and wanted me to pursue something I had envisioned since I was little, taking a leap into the world of veterinary science and medicine. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education which is both daunting and exciting. I was born with the love for animals, and my heart wanted me to always help our furry friends and be their voice when they can’t speak. When I enrolled into my university of choice, I began looking for scholarships and I came across AVCAT and thought I should apply and see what happens. To my surprise I received a phone call one afternoon advising I was awarded a scholarship! I am so incredibly grateful and thankful to AVCAT and the team at RSL Queensland for their endless support and words of encouragement throughout my studies over the past 4-5 years. With only 2 years left in my degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Technology I reflect on all the wonderful memories and stories I was able to share with AVCAT and RSL Queensland.
If there is anything I can tell others, it is to take the risk, take the opportunity, and give things a go! When an opportunity presents itself, don’t shut the door immediately. I promise life has a wonderful way of surprising you, and with the support of AVCAT and your sponsor, you will feel unstoppable in your educational adventure.