JAMES PG FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP: SOPHIA WOOD

When Sophia made the move from New Zealand to Sydney in 2022, it was the first time she had travelled overseas since age 11. It was her curiosity about the nature of how things work that inspired her goal of becoming an engineer. She excelled in her studies at St Cuthbert’s College, Auckland, and was accepted to the University of Sydney where she is undertaking a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering.

RESIDENT and the recipient of the James P G Foundation Scholarship, Sophia has endeavoured to embrace everything on offer here at College in her first year, and shared with us her Drew’s experience so far. Reflecting on 2022, can you share some of the highlights and challenges you’ve experienced? What have you participated in throughout the year?

Attending St Andrew’s College has been an amazing experience throughout 2022, where there is never a dull moment and help is never far away. Moving away from home was incredibly challenging for me, but having a place that I can call home, with friends who I now consider family, has been the best support I could ask for.

St Andrew’s has so many events and activities that support new connections and friendships, but I think that my favourite aspect of College is the everyday connections I have with others. Whether that be a quick chat in the hallway, a study session, or staying up late watching movies with my friends, there is always a shoulder to lean on and a person to talk to. I often get homesick, and with my busy schedule I can feel overwhelmed, so having this support system around me is amazing and I know that everyone is in the same boat as I am.

I enjoy taking part in the Jazz Band here at College. It is fun and engaging, a great outlet to escape my busy study schedule, jam out and enjoy music. I got to go to my first formal - due to COVID both my school balls were cancelled - so having a formal at university was a great first experience.

I have loved studying aeronautics at university and even though it’s like being thrown straight into the deep end, it’s also incredibly rewarding. My favourite activity this semester was taking part in building a real aircraft during class. It’s incredible that even in this first year I got to have hands-on experience with aircraft building on a large scale. I loved working in the lab, getting my hands dirty, and seeing our work come to life. Learning this way instead of only writing papers or completing equations makes this degree so much more rewarding. It makes me very happy with my decision to attend USYD as I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities if I had stayed in New Zealand.

What aspirations do you have for 2023 and beyond?

The first year at College was definitely a steep learning curve, so going into 2023 with solid roots at St Andrew’s is reassuring, and exciting. Entering my second year at university will feel somewhat daunting, as I know the workload will only increase and become more challenging, but of course, more rewarding.

Next year I hope to apply for Jazz Band secretary. I want to be able to foster the same fun culture that I experienced during my first year in the band. I am excited to join committees and take part in planning the events I have enjoyed so much during my first year here at St Andrew’s.

I am also looking forward to the new year of learning and experiences within my degree. The first year was fundamentals, taking mostly maths and general physics units. Second year will be more specific and I will get to learn more about the work I want to do in the future. I also hope to strengthen my connections with my peers, through both coursework and other university activities.

How do you think the scholarship program contributes to the life and community of the College?

The scholarship program provides so many students with an amazing opportunity to create a new home and find community. Giving opportunities to students from a range of backgrounds creates a community filled with different stories and experiences. Increasing the diversity of students at College makes it a more interesting and welcoming place for new students. Initially, I was nervous moving into College as I was worried that I would stick out, or feel disadvantaged within my cohort. Just knowing that so many other students are in my position is validating and makes everyone feel included.

Learning from and living with people from a range of different backgrounds is important as it allows personal growth for every student attending St Andrew’s. Another important factor is that everyone here wants to be here. Students work hard to maintain good grades and take part in sports and art competitions, which creates a healthy working environment where each student is pushed to do their best.