Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Mrs Corinne Cameron has a clear goal – to make a difference to her family and her community in NSW Central West.

She is doing a Bachelor of Nursing at CSU in Dubbo to help her achieve her goal.

Widowed with two young children in 2006, Mrs Cameron stayed strong to a dream since high school to become a registered nurse.

She enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing early last year while working as a disability support worker and managing a growing family of four children.

During the second year of her degree, Mrs Cameron has won a national scholarship through the Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation.

The Foundation aims to nurture talented young women through mentoring and financial support. Ms Cameron was awarded a scholarship through the Foundation's science and technology pillar.

"This scholarship will help ease the financial burden on my family.

"I was raised by a single mother in public housing which made me determined to build a better life.

"By undertaking the nursing degree with High Distinctions and Distinctions and eventually graduating as a nurse, I am doing this. I want to show my children that anything is possible.

"I also know personal tragedy and I aim to give back to my community as a health professional with compassion and understanding."

Mrs Cameron's dedication to her studies was demonstrated when she recently received the Lousy Jack 1^st Year Nursing Prize for the highest Grade Point Average in the first year nursing program at CSU in Dubbo. She was also awarded the Faculty of Science Executive Dean's Award for Academic Excellence for her outstanding performance last year.

CSU offers a Bachelor of Nursing through the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health at CSU in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga and through CSU online.