A tragic family loss and financial hardship almost derailed Kristie Loweke’s plans to become a teacher. Then, on the same day she decided her only option was to put her studies on hold, she found out she had been awarded a University of the Sunshine Coast scholarship.
“The timing was incredible, and so is the difference it is making,” said the mother-of-four from Maryborough who is studying to become a teacher.
“I was so happy that someone chose me out of so many worthy recipients and thought that I have got what it takes and deserve this," she said.
“I have been dealing with the loss of my mother, who was also one of my greatest supporters when it came to making my university dream a reality, and who helped my husband look after our children, who have special needs.
“My husband is also a lower leg amputee and is not working at the moment. At the start of this semester, we were struggling to cope financially and find childcare so I could keep on studying.
“I was absolutely blown to get the email the very day I was ready to withdraw, saying I had been awarded a Thompson Study Support scholarship."
Valued at up to $14,000, the scholarship is awarded to students who have commitments such as work, placement or significant carers responsibilities that impact on study.
Creating opportunities for students
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett says Kristie’s story is a familiar one across the university’s campus network, with financial hardship one of the reasons why many students put off applying or decide not to continue with their degrees.
This year alone, more than $4.3 million in scholarships, bursaries and prizes were awarded to 1,500 University of the Sunshine Coast students. More than 90 percent have some form of equity hardship element as part of the selection criteria.
Several students were formally presented with scholarships, awards and bursaries at recent ceremonies at the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast campuses.
Professor Bartlett said the Fraser Coast Awards presentation was also an opportunity to reflect on the incredible generosity of donors who supported local students to realise their dreams of high education.
Now is the time to apply for Semester 1, 2023 UniSC scholarships. Applications close on 30 November. For details, visit www.usc.edu.au/scholarships
As well as financial need, the scholarships and bursaries support high academic achievers, emerging and elite athletes, reward those who give back to their communities and importantly help students from regional areas to study at UniSC.
“These scholarships, bursaries and prizes are all about creating opportunities for people to access higher education and to help them succeed at university. They can be that point of difference for students and potential students reaching their full potential.” Professor Helen Bartlett .
Several students were formally presented with scholarships, awards and bursaries at recent ceremonies at the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast campuses.
Professor Bartlett said the Fraser Coast Awards presentation was also an opportunity to reflect on the incredible generosity of donors who supported local students to realise their dreams of high education.
Now is the time to apply for Semester 1, 2023 UniSC scholarships. Applications close on 30 November.
As well as financial need, the scholarships and bursaries support high academic achievers, emerging and elite athletes, reward those who give back to their communities and importantly help students from regional areas to study at UniSC.
For Kristie, the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Primary Education at the Fraser Coast campus was a long time coming, and at times seemed out of reach.
“I had been out of school for more than 20 years and had just ticked over 12 years in working in retail when I got to the point where it wasn’t enough for me,” Kristie said.
“I needed something more, and I’d always wanted to do teaching, but I had my family and I thought, there is no way.”
But with support from her husband and mother, she enrolled in the tertiary preparation course at the Fraser Coast campus to gain the qualifications needed to enrol in an Education degree.
“I am becoming a teacher because of my children. The disabilities and the challenges they face is my driving force,” she said.
“I want to get into the classroom to help fill that void that there is sometimes between lower-level learners and our mainstream children because the teachers don’t have enough time, they don’t have enough support.
“With my experience with my own children, coupled the skills and knowledge I will gain with my education degree, I really think I can make a difference.”
Set up for success
“Life-changing” is also how first-year student Hayden Kington (pictured right) describes the $60,000 Destination Australia Scholarship he received this year.
"It has set me up for success," said Hayden, a 2021 school captain from Urangan State High who is studying Primary Education at the Fraser Coast campus.
“It has allowed my to devote further effort and attention to my studies at UniSC.”
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au