As a 14-year old, Kiarn Roughley was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Whilst in the fight of his life, he was inspired by the health professionals around him. It was at this point Kiarn knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. Doctors shared stories and offered him advice, he saw the incredible impact these people had on the lives of patients and their families, and one nurse even lent him an anatomy book. He knew he was hooked.
Kiarn is now studying Medical and Health Science at the University of Wollongong and is very interested in the fields of biochemistry and nutrition. In Kiarn’s words “my fascination of the science and admiration of being able to help somebody make health decisions is what has fuelled my ambition to enter the health practice.” As a survivor who is very aware of the increased health risks he faces, he is fascinated by the link between nutrition and disease, knows there is a gap in the research and can’t wait to contribute to changing lives. Perhaps somewhat controversial and understudied, Kiarn’s particular interest lies in the negative impact of animal products on health and the environment. He isn’t quite sure how he will make a difference just yet but hopes it will be through academic achievement or work in developing countries raising awareness of healthy dietary decisions. With some pretty hefty academic aspirations, he has plenty of time to think about how he will change social perceptions of nutrition.
With his sights set on a Masters in Dietetics or even a PhD in Nutrition, Kiarn is working hard to make his dreams come true, putting in as much time as he needs to ensure he understands each subject, and his efforts and passion are reflected in a report card filled with distinctions and high distinctions. But, there is always time for fun and family. He regularly skateboards with mates at the local skate park and is keen to find people to share his love of science fiction and lego. Perhaps, most important is his family. With a baby brother born last year, and an 9-year old brother at home, he travels home as often as he can, not wanting to miss out on any milestones in their lives.
Just as his family is important to him, Kiarn also acknowledges the importance of community support and friendships, attributing his infectiously positive mindset to those around him during his battle with cancer. It is for this reason he is grateful for the support of the Shoalhaven Education Fund, Audi Foundation and CEF, with the financial assistance allowing him to live on campus in his first year of study and create friendships he is certain he wouldn’t have if he had been living elsewhere. With “endless” support from family, the Shoalhaven community and his newfound friends, it is hard to imagine Kiarn doing anything but succeeding and educating society about the importance of nutrition which he is so very passionate about.
Despite what he has faced Kiarn has an outlook on life we could all take his lead on: “I don’t take anything too seriously, but I also try my hardest in everything I do because I know that any day could be my last.”
