Gratitude amid grief

Nishadi had just moved to Australia to complete her PhD in Medicine when her father was suddenly admitted to the ICU in Sri Lanka and unexpectantly passed away at the age of 57.

“Prior to being admitted to the ICU he had not been unwell, so it was a huge shock to our family," Nishadi said.

It was a very difficult period both emotionally and financially. I had to borrow some money to cover some of the unexpected travel costs of flying home to see my family and attend the funeral. Nishadi

"The air travel alone cost me $5800 but a Student Emergency Fund grant of $1200 helped to ease some of the financial burden during the hardest period in my life."

I am extremely thankful for the support I received.Nishadi

Undertaking a joint PhD with the University of Nottingham, Nishadi is passionate about her research which is aimed to promote healthy ageing.

“My PhD project is dedicated to identifying some interventions to improve brain and muscle function. The overarching goal of my PhD is to evaluate the changes in the nervous system in older adults following different interventions,” she said.

“I have been under a lot of stress amidst the extreme grief following my dad’s demise. Life is never the same without him. He had been my biggest strength and motivation throughout my life and studies. Dad was the one I looked up to and I am simply here pursuing my PhD owing to his encouraging words and continuous support. I am trying my best to complete my PhD well to make my loving dad in heaven prouder.”

Thank you to the donors to the Student Emergency Fund. This resource is invaluable to students like me who are dedicated to their studies but find themselves in difficult circumstances.Nishadi