Student achievement awards bring donors and students together

Bowen Education Fund Scholarship donor Peter Bowen has been involved with Southern Cross University’s scholarship program for several years. “When I left school, I came from a very modest background and I was offered a scholarship. It gave me the opportunity to have an education that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible. I know how much that education has meant to the life I have led,” he said at the Lismore celebration.

Scholarships can make an enormous difference. Not only can they offset the cost of studying, but they can also free up students to devote more time to their studies.

Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Laws student Courtney Till received the Twin Towns Services Club scholarship and said it has given her the option of gaining industry experience by taking on unpaid internships. “If you want to apply for a scholarship, don’t doubt yourself. You are always worth more than you think you are and people can see the potential in you that you may not see in yourself,” she said.

Father-of-four and engineering student Scott Onus said the Coffs Harbour City Council scholarship had made study accessible even with a busy family life. “I’d say to anyone, especially with a family who wants to do a degree, you can do it, there is the support there”.

Student recipient of the Bowen Education Fund Scholarship Jessica Coates is grateful for the childcare she can afford thanks to the scholarship. “Being able to come and focus and engage when I’m here means the difference between just passing, and getting high distinctions and achieving my goals,” said the Bachelor of Nursing student.

Fellow nursing students Meg Rowe and Eve Fayle have both used their scholarships to travel and deepen their experience of nursing practice. Meg Rowe is travelling to Vietnam for three weeks at the end of the year to work in a school for children with disability. “I’m able to do that thanks to the scholarship,” she said.

Visit scu.edu.au/scholarships

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