Cootamundra mother award CSU University Medal

At Friday’s Charles Sturt University graduation, Mrs Bragg received the University Medal, the highest honour an undergraduate student can receive upon graduation.  

Mrs Bragg was floored when she heard the news.

“The medal means that the compromises, sacrifices, and hard work were all worth it, and I am very proud to be a recipient,” Mrs Bragg said.

The Charles Sturt Graduation Policy states the “University Medal recognises outstanding academic performance in a student's undergraduate studies” and is only award to students “whose grade point average is 6.75 or above” out of a possible seven. 

Mrs Bragg’s achievement is even more impressive considering everything she does outside of study. 

The mother of two balances family, farm business and community commitments and still finds time to hit the books and she considers this balance instrumental in her success.

“My advice for people contemplating a career change is to first make sure you have sufficient time to devote to study while still maintaining a good balance in the other components of your life, whether that includes work, family, community involvement, and of course rest and recreation,” she said. 

It was the combination of a desire to help people and an ability to remain local that prompted Mrs Bragg’s career change.

“It’s is a career that I can pursue in my regional setting, I already had a background in animal science, there was a university close by offering the course and it fulfilled my wish to be part of human health care,” Mrs Bragg said. 

As part of her studies, Mrs Bragg is completing her pharmacy internship at Beddies Pharmacy in Cootamundra, which entails nearly 2000 hours of supervised practice.

Once the internship is complete, she will be a registered pharmacist. 

Mrs Bragg had some sage advice for those grappling with the idea of a career change.

“If the only thing holding you back is doubt or lack of courage, then take a deep breath and jump in!”