With ambitions of becoming a psychologist and helping people recover from a mental health crisis, university student Georgia Cronin has been awarded the Bowral and District Hospital Centenary Scholarship.
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The prestigious prize is awarded annually to a Year 12 graduate from the Wingecarribee Shire who plans to study a health-related course at university.
Seventeen year-old Ms Cronin, from Robertson, said she had seen firsthand the struggles people with a mental illness face and wants to support them through difficult times in their lives.
"The issue has of course only been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and is even more pronounced within the adolescent age group,'' she said.
"For many struggling with these issues, it is the worst time of their life, and I would love to be able to provide help and support anybody suffering through a mental health crisis.
"I want to do whatever I can to try and make the world a better place, and if I can help even one person through a dark time, then this will make very happy.''
The Chevalier College graduate is now studying a four-year double degree in psychological science and social science at the University of Wollongong.
Bowral and District Hospital General Manager Ken Barnett said the standard of all applicants for the scholarship was extremely high this year.
"I am always impressed by the outstanding young people who apply for the Centenary Scholarship,'' Mr Barnett said.
"Ms Cronin is a wonderful role model to her peers and the community and I wish her all the very best for a rewarding and successful career as a psychologist.''
The Centenary Scholarship was established by Bowral and District Hospital in 1989 to acknowledge the assistance the hospital had received from the local community.
Applications close in November each year, with the winner announced the following February.
For more information, visit https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/bowral/centenaryscholarship.html
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