Jess Morton is one of several young mums who are juggling family life and work, as well as being enrolled to study Paramedic Science by distance education.

"Talking to people on the student forums, I've found I'm not alone in finding it difficult to cope, especially when it comes time to attend residential schools," says the mother of two boys aged under 3 years.

Jess Morton

Jess said if it was not for receiving $500 in support from the CQUni Cares fund she might have been tempted to drop subjects involving residential schools.

"Apart from flights from NSW and accommodation costs in Rockhampton for the residential schools, my husband who is a paramedic has to take leave to look after the kids, meaning he's missing out on his normal penalty rate payments."

Jess is picking up casual work through a nursing agency and targeting night shifts for maximum benefit, whenever she can find time between looking after her children.

However, she says it's still a challenge to make ends meet, so the $500 is a really welcome bolster.

Jess is a keen photographer who is looking forward to her next study break so she can find time to resume her hobby. But at the moment the focus is on keeping all the various balls in the air until the end of the degree.

Students who are attending residential schools or placements as part of their program may be able to gain financial assistance through CQUni Cares to cover the costs of attending these vital elements of their program.

CQUni Cares was established thanks to a bequest from the late Moya Gold. University staff have been donating through a workplace giving program and fundraising activities. The University has been matching these amounts, and business donors have started to support the fund too.

Link to the CQUni Cares brochure