Acts of kindness recognised at USQ
AS MARTELLE Ford crossed the stage to receive the USQ Student Award her six-year old son, Jagger, looked on in the audience with pride.
He was her reason for being there. The reason she chose to study more than 20 years later than she first thought, and the motive for applying for the USQ awards.
“I thought why not throw my towel into the ring and see how I go,” Ms Ford said, who is studying a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology.
“It would be validation that if you put in the hard work you can get recognition, and I hope the importance of giving back to the community is a good example to my son.
“I was very surprised to receive the awards, and at the same time, I am very grateful and honoured.”
The USQ Student Awards recognise outstanding achievement and student contribution back to the community and the
University through sport, student clubs, leadership and community service.
Ten awards were presented during the ceremony at USQ Toowoomba last night with Ms Ford receiving the Community Service Award and the USQ All Rounder Award.
Ms Ford was recognised for her commitment to study as well as participation in
both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and her extensive community work.
This year she has given her time to Career Employment Australia as a literacy tutor, teaching adults who were illiterate, individuals with learning disabilities, and new immigrants to Australia, to help them gain employment.
She has also volunteered
with Wesley Mission Brisbane STARH project (Supporting Those at Risk of Homelessness) and a family room supervisor for Ronald McDonald House in both the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Children’s Ward at the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Ms Ford is also a Silver Cord Reassurance Caller with St John Ambulance Queensland and a crisis support worker at Lifeline.