[3 min read]
One question I have been asked a lot this year is “How did a nursing student get an ocean scholarship?”
While studying to be a nurse, I discovered that diving into the ocean is the best way for me to find a balance between caring for others and nurturing my own well-being.
My scholarship has been filled with global ocean adventures and exploring the intricate link between environmental health and our own well-being. A link that is perhaps missing in our increasingly disconnected society, with 1 in 5 UK children never seeing the ocean.
In this disconnect, I’ve found myself surrounded by individuals deeply immersed in our natural world. My interactions with passionate diving professionals have nurtured my love for the sea and highlighted the continuous learning journey inherent in diving.
With my love of the outdoors, adventure and healthcare, I discovered expedition medicine.
Aspiring to become a valuable team member in remote places I joined Endeavour Medical for their Expedition Medicine and Leadership Winter Course. Expedition medicine is all about blending medical knowledge with outdoor skills to provide healthcare in remote and challenging environments. During the course, we practised medical aid in freezing temperatures, evacuation techniques in challenging conditions, and snow and ice navigation.
Thanks to the OWUSS Scholarship I’ve explored remote places and been connected to a remarkable community of kind, passionate and generous people.
These values are mirrored in the field of expedition medicine and the spirit of the Endeavour team.
Lucy Oblonskey, the founder of Endeavour, has been fundamental in my nursing journey. Guiding me through expedition medicine training, fostering community connections and supporting my global health nurse placement in Kenya. Thank you for your invaluable mentorship.
This course and my global health placement have influenced my nursing approach, emphasising adaptability, empathy and environmental factors in health. Endeavour and other scholarship experiences have deepened my understanding of the link between environmental health and our own welfare.
DEEP: Ocean Exploration and Dive Medicine
DDRC: Diver Medic Technician Course
Nursing Placement in Leparua Clinic, Kenya
I am excited to continue this journey to advocate for both human and environmental well-being. One dive, and one patient at a time. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey to build a healthier planet.
A huge thank you to Rolex, the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society, Divers Alert Network and my equipment sponsors Fourth Element, Suunto, Halcyon Dive Systems, Reef Photo and Video and Nauticam. Their continued support, along with the dedication of countless volunteers and hosts, has transformed this incredible opportunity into a reality. Thank you for the most extraordinary year.
