Jessica Bennetts
JESSICA Bennetts didn’t even know she had been nominated for the City of Ballarat 18-25 Youth Award at last night’s Ballarat Youth Awards.
So the cancer survivor was completely stunned when her name was read out.
“I was completely shocked. I got a bit teary actually,” Jessica said, who was at the awards ceremony at the Regent Cinemas because she had been nominated for the Inspirational Achiever Award.
Jessica was diagnosed with a tumour in her appendix last October but decided to continue with her final year of university.
“I literally finished my last exam the day before chemo started.”
Jessica said she was feeling sorry for herself after two major stomach surgeries but decided at the last minute not to defer her studies.
“Having cancer was a big deal for me. It was a pretty big battle. But then I just decided to fight. I crammed in 10 weeks of classes, sat my final exams and handed in my thesis.”
Now in remission, Jessica is planning to continue post-graduate studies next year.
See the full list of award-winners in Monday’s issue of The Courier.