Fast-tracking Jelicia makes time for less fortunate
Published on 12 September, 2008
Jelicia Bendall is fast-tracking by juggling high school and university subjects, with a view to being a medical specialist one day.
Busy as she is, The Cathedral College student and CQUniversity SUN (Start Uni Now) participant works in a part-time job and makes time each week for projects to benefit the less fortunate in the community.
"Teen Vinnies is our social justice group that meets every Friday. We are organising a Vinnies' fair to let people in the community know about what things are happening in the life of teenagers and young people," Jelicia said.
"Also, we hold buddy days for people that are disadvantaged with disabilities and we meet with them and go away for a day and give their carers a break.
"Through the Social Justice group, we are doing many things. At the moment my friends and I are organising to go to PNG to walk the Kokoda Track and do some work over there.
"Also, I would love in the future to help people that are not receiving the care that they need."
Talking to her school careers advisor made Jelicia aware of SUN (which enables talented high schoolers to enrol in university subjects to gain early credit towards future degree study).
"At Uni I am studying Human Anatomy and at school I am doing Biology. This means that sometimes in Biology I can do Uni work because some of it is sort of the same.
Jelicia shows her caring side with her baby cousin
"Otherwise, I study for Uni during the spare lessons I get at school and on the weekends. I do have a part time job and I am involved in many social justice events in the community. This means I have to manage my time wisely."
Jelicia describes herself as a very open person who lives life by 2 sayings: 'Life is like a coin, you can spend it how you want but you can only spend it once' and 'Expecting life to treat you fairly because you are good, is like expecting the bull not to charge becuase you are a vegetarian'.
She enjoys the freedom to attend lectures at Rockhampton Campus if time allows, but is not compelled to do so because of the flexible nature of the SUN program and materials.
"Also, I like that my Uni lecturer, Shelia Jeffery always emails us and lets us know what is going on.
"Next year I plan to do Intro Bioscience, Intro Physiology and one more. I have not decided, but I do plan to be a Paediatrician and an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist. I do wish to specialise in 2 things."