Ailsa Lipscombe, who has complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a long-term disorder of the nervous system which leaves her in constant pain and has affected her vision, has been accepted to complete her PhD studies at the University of Chicago.
The Fulbright scholarship she has been awarded will pay for her first year of study and in addition, she has been awarded a fellowship from the University of Chicago to cover her subsequent years of study.
“When I first started university I would never have thought it possible to move overseas on my own and integrate into a new group of people without feeling self-conscious about my disability,” says Ailsa.
While she has always been a high-performing student, Ailsa credits Victoria’s Disability Services and the supportive staff at Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) with helping to boost her confidence throughout her studies.
“When I came to university I saw it as an opportunity to start afresh and not be defined by my disability,” she says.
“My first disability adviser really encouraged me to advocate for myself and get out there and be involved. At Victoria I’ve never felt like I’ve been defined by my health or my disability. Instead people know me for what I do rather than what I have.”
Ailsa will be accompanied overseas by her service dog Connie, whose first challenge will be to learn the different road rules in their new home.
“Having Connie with me makes the whole process a little less daunting, as it will give me some familiarity and stability crossover from my Wellington life to my Chicago life.”
The musicology student, who specialises in contemporary music studies, says she is looking forward to being exposed to different styles of learning and the latest music research in the United States.
“What I find most exciting about Fulbright is that it is representative of a network of scholars and provides invaluable connections.”
Ailsa’s dream is to return to New Zealand after her studies and teach musicology at tertiary level.
“I’ve been fortunate to have been taught by amazing scholars and it would be lovely to come back and do the same for other New Zealand students.”