Monica Boulton of Booral will take her first step towards becoming a surgeon when she begins studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast later this month.

Eighteen-year-old Monica, who received an OP2, has enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing Science at USC Fraser Coast, inspired by her strong desire to work in a hospital and help save lives.

The former Hervey Bay State High School captain was active in community service during high school, raising money for the Cancer Council and Leukaemia Foundation, as well as completing the 96km Kokoda Challenge for charity on the Gold Coast.

Monica said she was looking forward to getting started at university.

“I had heard great things about USC and the new Fraser Coast campus meant that I could stay living in Hervey Bay,” she said.

“I thought studying Nursing Science would give me an excellent hands on experience that will eventually help me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a surgeon.

“Working in a hospital is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I think I’d really thrive on the fast pace of the work and being able to help people in a very practical way.”

Monica said doing fundraising work for charities had provided extra motivation for her in choosing a career path that involved helping people.

“The Kokoda Challenge was a 28-hour non-stop trek for charity,” she said.

“During high school, I was able to meet a few of the people we helped out through our fundraising and I found it really rewarding to see their faces and know that I’d made a difference.”

USC Fraser Coast will hold an Orientation Day for its first intake of students on Friday 19 February. More information is available at www.usc.edu.au/frasercoast.

— Gen Kennedy