Overcoming adversity: pushing through poverty and uncertainty

Second-year medical student Jessica Mills oozes tenacity, perseverance, and above all, gratitude.

Jess is pursuing a combined MD-PhD program and is a recipient of the inaugural Medical Endowment Scholarship. Jess explains that the scholarship not only enables her to focus her efforts on both studies and research, but also gives her a sense of belonging in the medical community.

The following is an excerpt of Jess’s speech to donors, staff and students at the Faculty’s annual Prizes and Scholarships event.

My entry into medicine was not so traditional. I started my adventure in tertiary education as a very lost 17-year-old. Being the first person in my immediate family to try uni, I didn’t have a lot to work with. I detoured through law, fell in love with biomedical research, and then arrived at the conclusion that this medicine idea might be the one. I struggled to overcome GAMSAT with tremendous support from my now life-partner, Eugene, and my beautiful cat, Olivia. If I asked my 17-year-old self if this was where I planned to be in 2023, I probably would have laughed. Being here today is a world away from where I started.

As I develop my skills as a future doctor, I’ve come to love the experience of connecting with patients as people whom I can help – it’s more than I would ever have wanted in a career.

Growing up in rural Queensland was a unique and rewarding experience for me. My family and I lived in a variety of places throughout the Darling Downs and Central Queensland, allowing me to witness the beauty of the Australian bush and gain exposure to various aspects of farming and agriculture, despite not owning a farm ourselves.

I cherish the memories of my upbringing in rural Queensland, and the many adventures and lessons it provided. Among my favourite memories are my feathery best friends, my chickens. I cannot wait to be able to move out to a regional practice or hospital so I can start my flock of birds again.

Being immersed in nature and surrounded by a tight-knit community gave me a strong sense of belonging and appreciation for life. Despite this, I grew up in a one-parent family, living most of my childhood below the poverty line.

Poverty is an insidious and pervasive force that strips individuals and communities of their dignity, potential and basic human needs, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and inequality. Further, it makes keeping yourself safe from adversities like domestic violence and mental health extremely difficult.

In Australia we have the basic support, but we don’t have the tools to thrive. Growing up in poverty can be incredibly challenging, and can test the resilience and perseverance of young people before they even enter adulthood. It deeply saddens me that so many talented people might miss out on opportunities to become empowered, learn, and grow into community leaders. I am so proud to be a representative for girls from diverse backgrounds, so that they can see there is a way through the adversity to achieve their dreams.

My upbringing made it clear to me that education is power, and having access to education could help me not only transcend poverty, but also support my family in living a peaceful life.

Being where I am today demonstrates that hard work and the compassion of all the people who have mentored and supported me have paid off. I love being a medical student, although at times it is difficult to move forward with grace and enthusiasm when it’s a struggle to keep life afloat. My experiences, although challenging, are unique and provide insight into some of the most difficult times in our human experience.

Every day I seek support from my friends, family and the amazing UQ Medical School staff so that I can grow to be a stronger person and one day be a great doctor. Education has been a powerful tool for me, opening doors and providing opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. It has helped me grow as an individual, and given me the ability to make a meaningful contribution to society.

I am deeply grateful for the incredible opportunity that the Medical Endowment Scholarship has provided me. As I move forward in my medical studies and research, I hope to honour the generosity of the scholarship donors by contributing to the betterment of society. Whether it be through my work with patients, my contributions to medical research, or my involvement in community outreach programs, I strive to pay it forward and make a positive impact.

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