Australian Catholic University, Ballarat Campus, Victoria

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program

$47,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over five years) www.acu.edu.au

Recognising students who have shown talent and dedication to attaining their educational goals is the focus of the ACU Scholarship Program, with an emphasis on helping those who face significant financial barriers. This scholarship is particularly for students from regional and rural areas who must move away from home in order to undertake further study.

Self-belief and a passion for education gave Kylie Mitchell the impetus to return to study as a mature-age student and use the lessons of her own experience to help others.

I worried about not fitting in with younger peers, the financial strain of university, and whether I was making the right career decision.

Student Profile

Kylie Mitchell, GAF Scholar 2008

Second-year student, Bachelor of Education (Primary) (four-year degree course)

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you? High school was a difficult time for me. My dad was very sick, so I didn’t want to move too far away. Instead, I remained in Ballarat to support my family. I worked for seven years, and in this time I learnt much about myself, however I often wondered if I would ever have the courage to return to study.

The decision to return was the right one and I enjoyed it immensely, even though the path has not always been smooth. I feel supported by the university community, and am excited by the career opportunities that have opened up.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

When I received this scholarship, I got the internet connected and upgraded my computer memory. Internet access became a lifeline to university, as I was able to research and study from home. I knew that making ends meet would be difficult, but the financial strain of full-time study is often underestimated. At times it is an adventure, going into the supermarket, knowing that I have exactly $5.85 cents to my name, at other times it is a stress, but receiving the scholarship has helped me to keep myself afloat. Has the scholarship brought other benefits?

As I sat in the audience of the Scholarship Awards ceremony this year, I was reminded of how far I have come, and where I am headed. I felt an enormous sense of pride in what I had achieved, and wanted to lead by

Recipient Course

Emily Burchell

Emma Dickson

Sophie Graham

Kyla Margetts

Nicole Strachan

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine example; I want to teach children what is possible if you set your mind to it and believe in yourself. I felt supported, inspired to make a difference and confident in my capabilities. on my studies.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

In 10 years time I will have been teaching for almost eight years. I hope that I never stop learning, or questioning the way I teach. I hope to experiment with the arts and their links to literacy, numeracy and engaging children in the curriculum. I am also very interested in the therapeutic nature of music and art. I hope to empower children; to help them to be confident of their own capabilities and to reinforce the importance of believing in oneself.

Student Profile

Emma Dickson, GAF Scholar 2009 First-year student, Bachelor of Nursing/ Paramedicine (four-year degree course)

A dream of working as a paramedic in a developing country helped keep firstyear student Emma Dickson focused as she faced the transition to a new chapter in her education.

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you?

The first challenge was financial, moving away from home; getting established in a new location; and financing all course requirements. Secondly, moving away meant I had to start new friendships from scratch. The final challenge has been adjusting to needing to work much more independently than at secondary school.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

The GAF scholarship has been a relief to me and my parents – reducing the financial burden and allowing me to concentrate more fully on my studies.

Why did you choose the course you are studying?

I was inspired by my work experience at St Vincent’s Hospital and the investigations into paramedicine I made during my final years at secondary school. ACU’s combined course in Nursing and Paramedicine offered a wonderful opportunity to develop both these interests in tandem.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

I hope I will still be working in Paramedicine having achieved some experience working in a developing country. I am sure it will be very rewarding to see first-hand the improvements in health made possible by qualified health staff.