* CSU student Meaghan Kempson will graduate with a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education) this Thursday 13 December in Bathurst   * Has been offered a Department of Education Rural and Remote Teaching Scholarship * Extra-curricular offerings and social life shaped Ms Kempson’s all-round CSU experience Charles Sturt University (CSU) student Meaghan Kempson (pictured) will graduate this Thursday in Bathurst ahead of commencing her first teaching role in a rural or remote school as part of being offered a Department of Education, Rural and Remote Teaching Scholarship. Originally from Orange, Ms Kempson moved to Bathurst and lived on campus to study a Bachelor of Education (Health and Physical Education). A course selection, Ms Kempson said “to help improve the current health and wellbeing status of young people throughout Australia.” “Undertaking an occupation in education allows you to play a positive role in shaping the youth and empowering them to one day exert control over their health and support the wellbeing of others around them,” Ms Kempson said. “Education is ultimately the key to breaking the cycle of disadvantage and reducing the burden placed on the health care system.” With a passion and love for sport, the recent Department of Education scholarship recipient took on many extra-curricular activities during her time at CSU, each with an emphasis on sport and leadership. These included being an Australian student ambassador at the International University Sports Federation (FISU), participant, medal-winner and captain in five University games events, President of the CSU Football Club in Bathurst, President of the CSU Sports Council and soccer captain. Ms Kempson said that her greatest sporting achievement at CSU was being part of the CSU University Nationals team who took home the Tom O’Sullivan Spirit Award for displaying the values and foundations that embody Australian University Sport.  Crediting the extra-curricular and social life at CSU, Ms Kempson said this shaped her university experience by creating an immediate sense of comradery, support and pride. “Throughout my degree, I felt valued and respected by all staff. I can certainly credit my academic success to the personalised and somewhat intimate nature that comes with attending a regional university,” Ms Kempson said. Continuing her interest in sport and leadership outside of teaching, Ms Kempson will be travelling to Russia in February as a result of her achievements at the 2018 FISU Volunteer Leaders Academy, and will be representing Australia in a volunteer capacity at the Winter Universiade in Siberia. Ms Kempson will be allocated her teaching position in 2019 in a rural and remote area that is yet to be advised.