‘When I was 11, my parents bought a bushland hobby farm in Gippsland. My brother and I would go on long walking adventures across the surrounding farms, where we encountered incredible flora and fauna. I loved having my hands in the soil and I always felt that nature loved me back,’ Jasmine shares.
The budding biologist planned to study environmental science at university, but her path to higher education became a long and winding road. She worked in an accounting firm in her early 20s and took on a mortgage, studying at TAFE in the evenings. At 28 she became very unwell and has struggled with bouts of chronic fatigue ever since.
But she never gave up on her dream.
‘I enrolled at TAFE to complete a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management. I had been working in garden nurseries on and off during weekends and I also completed a Diploma of Horticulture through prior learning. I finally entered university at age 39 to study a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin.’
Although her patience and determination were finally rewarded with a place at Deakin, Jasmine faced yet another setback.
‘During my first few months, I broke my back. I spent weeks in bed and eventually returned to class wearing a back brace. It was a difficult time. I failed my first exam but passed the unit because my assignment marks were strong. My studies took up most of my time, so I was unable to join clubs or volunteer during university.’
Despite the many challenges, Jasmine was a diligent student and was awarded multiple scholarships, including the Byron Williams Award given to a person enrolled in an environmental science program who demonstrates commitment, personal achievement and perseverance.
Studying part-time, a determined Jasmine made it to the graduation stage on her own terms.
‘I had already done well in the accounting industry, but I didn’t want to stay in an office doing the 9-to-5 routine. I wanted to be outdoors, wearing work boots instead of high heels. For me, it was about the journey and my love of nature.’
Jasmine found a fulfilling role as a park ranger at Wilson Botanic Park. She worked closely with the park volunteers and felt like she had become part of a family. She then applied her expertise to collecting invertebrate specimens for what was then the Department of Environment and Primary Industries under the late Dr Alan Louey Yen, who donated much of his insect collection to Museums Victoria.
Recently, Jasmine experienced a full circle moment when she gave her first donation to Deakin’s Student Emergency Assistance Fund, known as SEAF. (During her first year of study, Jasmine was awarded what was then the equivalent of a SEAF scholarship.)
‘I will never forget that support. The University psychologists were also incredibly helpful, as was the course coordinator who assisted with my prior learning credits.’
Now practising in Ballarat, Dr Rachel Aspermont (MD ’25) is another Deakin alum who received timely support from the Student Emergency Assistance Fund.
‘You might think you have to donate big to make a difference to someone, but when you’re a single parent studying, even $50 made a huge difference. It was literally how much it cost to feed my kids lunch for a week,’ says Rachel.
‘If you think that you won’t make a big difference because you only give a little, you don’t know the flow-on effect of that. Now that I’m working, giving back to the SEAF is exactly what I’ll be doing.’
Jasmine and Rachel’s stories affirm that every act of generosity can have a lasting impact.
‘Every contribution counts. I received so much support from the University that I feel compelled to give back in whatever way I can. I will never forget the kindness shown to me during those challenging years, and even small acts of giving can make a meaningful difference for someone else,’ Jasmine says.
Learn more about SEAF, other community giving programs and how you can contribute.
Read more stories from the 2025 Deakin Difference donor impact report
Before graduating, Rachel shared her journey towards studying medicine at Deakin. Watch the video.
The average doctor will see over 100,000 patients during their career.
Thanks to backing from the community through the Student Emergency Assistance Fund, recent graduate Dr Rachel Aspermont (MD ’25) is now a practising doctor in Ballarat. Her dedication and knowledge will go on to benefit thousands of people, changing the trajectory of health for her community. Rachel is just one of the 63 students who were positively impacted by community giving in 2025.