Alysha Coulson never imagined becoming a registered nurse, but last month, thanks in part to Legacy, the Redlands resident graduated from QUT with a nursing degree and from February will work as a surgical nurse at Greenslopes Hospital.
It has been a tough and often tumultuous journey to reach this milestone.
Ms Coulson’s father served in the Navy, as did her grandmother and grandfather.
Ms Coulson lived with her grandparents, and when her grandfather died and her grandmother was diagnosed with cancer three years later, life became difficult.
It was at that time that Legacy volunteer – also known as a Legatee – and Redlands resident Chad Sherrin stepped in to help Ms Coulson overcome countless obstacles and obtain a scholarship to go to university.
“If it wasn’t for Legacy and Chad, I would not be where I am today,” she said.
“They have just helped me so much. I assumed I wouldn’t finish school or anything like that.
“Legacy helped in so many ways, from buying my school uniforms to assisting me with scholarships and buying other things that we just couldn’t have afforded without them.”
As a Legacy volunteer, or Legatee, Mr Sherrin helps war service families who are going through a tough time.
Legacy cares for the children of those who have served their country and have lost their lives or been incapacitated through physical injury or mental illness.
For more information about becoming a Legatee, visit the Legacy website at legacy.com.au/Legatees.
