'I'm still exploring what my future career in agriculture will look like, but am grateful that this scholarship can lift the financial burden along the way.'
– Jazmin O'Leary, Bachelor of Agricultural Technology student and scholarship recipient
When Jazmin first set foot on a remote cattle station in North Queensland, she had no idea her life was about to change direction.
After stepping away from an Education degree that didn’t feel right, she took a chance on something completely different. Working as a governess on a large-scale cattle operation.
Immersed in the day-to-day rhythm of station life, she found herself fascinated by the work of Australia’s primary producers.
Their knowledge, leadership and resilience lit a spark in her. A passion for agriculture she never knew she had.
Searching for a way to turn that spark into a career, Jazmin found the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Bachelor of Agricultural Technology. Its blend of innovation and practical foundations felt like the perfect fit and flexible online study gave her the confidence to begin again.
Now at the end of her first year, Jazmin has fully embraced the program and hasn’t looked back.
Residential schools have brought hands-on learning to life, connected her with peers and mentors and inspired her to move to the UniSQ Toowoomba campus next year to immerse herself in university life.
The support of the inaugural 2025 Brazil Family Foundation Agricultural Scholarship has been instrumental in making this possible.
“I didn’t think that I would ever get a scholarship. I actually didn’t even know there were scholarships available for studying agriculture but once I found out, I was really excited about the opportunity,” she said.
“Living remotely means travelling for residential schools can be very expensive.”
“The scholarship lifted that burden this year and will make my move next year so much easier.”
While she’s still exploring what her future career will look like, she does have her sights set on one thing.
“My main goal is to work as a leader in the agricultural industry and make a real impact,” she said.
As for what drives her most? The chance to contribute to an industry she has grown to love.
“I love that agriculture is so broad and that the jobs within it, along with those that support it, are just as interesting,” she said.
“Being a primary industry, I also take pride in helping produce food for people in Australia and around the world.”
“There’s no industry like it, and I appreciate how unique and special it is.”
