Jessica has a close and loving relationship with her father, she says ‘he offers me guidance, experience and protection’. When Jessica’s father retired from service due to being incapacitated he started working at home as a full-time parent. ‘My father’s incapacitation has introduced a variety of limitations on our lifestyle, and the opportunities we could participate in. We learnt to live around his pain, mood changes and physical restrictions.’
Intent on going to university Jessica wanted to ‘help people, like my father’s range of doctors have helped him’. Jessica was offered a place to study a Bachelor of Applied Science/Master of Physiotherapy Practice, but it would require moving interstate. Jessica applied for an AVCAT scholarship to help with the expenses of going to university, away from home.
Jessica says her, and her family’s, relationship with her father is so close ‘due to the effort he continues to put into the family, despite his limitations.’ Jessica’s father encouraged her take up Kung Fu and he is a strong and supporting influence as she pursues her studies and other hobbies like playing the piano, flute, and clarinet. She says, ‘His physical impairment has caused me to have a more positive outlook on life; I’ve seen his motivation and it drives me in my own goals. ‘My goals in life are to help people in some way. Through physiotherapy, I will be able to help people get back on their feet. Helping people is what I enjoy most.’ This festive season help us raise money to award more scholarships for people like Jessica.
Jessica is an AVCAT Scholarship recipient.
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