By Jasmine Lakey.
Jasmine in the classroom, holding an octopus as she prepares for dissection.
I am truly honoured to be a recipient of this scholarship and am sincerely grateful to AVCAT and The Department of Veterans’ Affairs for their recognition and support.
My family has a proud and longstanding tradition of service in the Australian Defence Force, with multiple generations dedicating their lives to protecting and serving our country. For their service to our country I am forever grateful. My grandfather, John Lakey, dedicated 26 years to the Army, serving as an Infantry Officer and completing three overseas postings, one of which was in Vietnam.
I am fortunate to share a close relationship with my grandfather, affectionately known as “Da.” He has been my greatest mentor and a source of countless cherished memories. He is admired by all who know him—not just for his bravery and service but for the unwavering kindness and strength he offers to those around him. I am incredibly proud to call him my Da. His constant support of my dreams, aspirations, and achievements has never gone unnoticed and have shaped my self-confidence as I navigate life’s challenges. He taught me the value of education and instilled in me the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Thanks to him, I had the courage to pursue my passion of marine biology at James Cook University, taking the leap to move away from home and everything familiar in Brisbane.
Receiving the Long Tan Bursary has had a profound impact, alleviating the financial pressures of my education and allowing me to focus more fully on my studies.
Jasmine and her grandfather (John Lakey) after ANZAC Dawn Service in 2018
I am now a second-year Bachelor of Science student, majoring in Marine Biology at James Cook University. Moving to Townsville to chase my academic goals of becoming a marine biologist has been both exciting and demanding, especially in terms of financial independence. Receiving the Long Tan Bursary has had a profound impact, alleviating the financial pressures of my education and allowing me to focus more fully on my studies. Through my studies, I am gaining invaluable insights into marine life, ecosystems, and conservation.My ultimate goal is to contribute to the sustainable management and preservation of marine resources, ensuring that our oceans thrive for future generations.
Jasmine’s photograph of a sea turtle.
Becoming a marine biologist has always been my dream, driven by a deep fascination with the ocean and its diverse ecosystems. In my initial application two years ago, I shared my deep fascination with sharks, a passion I’ve held since I was a young girl, and my aspirations to research hopefully research the species. I am now thrilled to have the opportunity, alongside 10 other students, to gain hands on experience learning about shark conservation and physiology while on site for two weeks in Mo’orea, French Polynesia. This opportunity marks a full circle moment for me, transforming a childhood dream into reality and allowing me to engage directly with the subjects I’ve always admired. I am eager to embrace this experience to contribute to shark research and conservation efforts.
Once again, I wanted to express great thanks and appreciation to AVCAT and The Department of Veteran’s Affairs for supporting my academic journey. I also want to thank my Da for his unwavering belief in me and his constant support throughout my life.