From constant change to a confident new direction

The RSL Queensland Scholarships Program enables those who’ve been impacted by Defence life to access tertiary/vocational study.

For Cassandra Ladesma, a mother of four and the partner of a current serving Defence member, supporting others has been a constant theme in her life filled with change. 

Cassandra Ladesma at her university graduation ceremony alongside her family

She has helped her family relocate from Adelaide to Townsville, navigating the challenges of settling kids into new schools, routines and social circles, all in the name of supporting her partner’s Defence career.

Through the change, Cassandra had to navigate how to best support her own career ambitions and journey as well. 

“When my family and I first moved from Adelaide to Townsville, I realised that to continue supporting my family as much as possible, I needed further qualifications to help find a job and career,” Cassandra says. 

“I began to worry that with our family relocating based on my partner's deployment every few years, it was going to be very difficult to find a job.” 

With a background working in administrative roles, and an interest in social work inspired by her passion for helping others, Cassandra thought about pursuing tertiary education while her partner was serving.

“I knew the career direction I was interested in exploring but felt overwhelmed by the numerous costs associated with university, including textbooks and long placements which impede your ability to work and study at the same time.”

Getting support to give support

Cassandra says her apprehensions were replaced with excitement when she learned about the RSL Queensland Scholarships Program. The program is designed to help eligible ex-serving Defence members, their children, and the partners of current and ex-serving Defence members pursue higher education and increase their employability.

"I first learned about the program after attending a family day on base and at first I thought I didn't fully meet the scholarship requirements. After chatting with the RSL Queensland team, I was encouraged to make an enquiry anyway and, with this support and encouragement, I was awarded the scholarship.”

Since receiving an RSL scholarship in 2017, Cassandra has received financial support enabling her to successfully complete a Bachelor of Social Work. She has since gone on to pursue further education and completed a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health.

Cassandra has tailored her career to supporting others, now working as a social worker that specialises in helping fellow Defence families. Her shared connection with other Defence families has enabled her to bring a unique level of understanding to the care and support she provides to those in the community.

A “life-changing” experience

Cassandra says her experience achieving the RSL scholarship and pursuing tertiary education was life-changing, both for her and her family.

“I haven't looked back,” Cassandra says. 

An RSL scholarship helped Cassandra balance the demands of Defence family life with her studies

“My family and I are due to be posted in Brisbane next year, and now I don’t have any concerns or worries about moving to a different place because I can look for the jobs that I’d like to pursue with confidence. 

"I know my kids are super proud of how far I've come. Giving birth to my youngest during my undergraduate degree and having all my children present at my graduation meant that they really were with me every step of the way. 

"Being able to say to my oldest that the opportunity to pursue further studies is open to him, and to show him the hard work and results of that every day, means the world to me."  

Reach out to the RSL Scholarships team 

Cassandra urges anyone who’s experienced challenges with the Defence lifestyle and is seeking to re-enter the workforce to apply for an RSL Queensland scholarship.  

“I think anyone that's even thinking about studying while balancing life and financial concerns should call and have a chat with the RSL Scholarships team. They are very lovely and approachable, can answer any questions and give so much more than just financial support.” 

Has your career been impacted by Defence life? You could be eligible for an RSL Queensland scholarship.