Lumen Winter 2016 - Flipbook - Page 19
story by Kelly Brown
The gift of higher education through a scholarship, award
or grant can change the lives of outstanding students and
inspire them to make a di昀昀erence in the world.
I
t’s a gift that University of Adelaide
pioneer Dr Augustus Short believed
should be accessible to all students of
high academic merit, regardless of birth
or wealth.
Dr Short was appointed during the
University’s founding year in 1874 and has
been remembered through scholarships
offered in his name and funded through
philanthropic support.
They are awarded to Year 12 students
of high academic merit from rural and
remote areas, including those facing
financial hardship or disability which may
impede their academic pursuits.
Thanks to the generous support of our
donors, 11 Augustus Short Scholarships
have been awarded in 2016. Lumen spoke
to three of them: Maithili Mishra, Kenneth
Jacks and Kylie Do.
Double scholarship winner
Maithili Mishra is in her first year of
a double degree in Law and Health
Sciences after winning two scholarships.
In addition to an Augustus Short
Scholarship she was also awarded a
Dunstan Foundation Len King Scholarship
which is offered to worthy candidates
wanting to pursue a career in law.
“I have an interest in social justice
issues and human rights, and at the same
time I’ve always loved biology at school
and lots of other sciences,” says Maithili.
“That’s why I chose to study both law
and health sciences, it was the perfect
way to intertwine the two.”
Maithili lives with her mother and sister and,
as a family on a single income, says the
scholarships will be a big help financially.
Outside of study Maithili enjoys
volunteering and believes we all have a
responsibility to help others if we are able.
“It is unfortunate that we cannot all enjoy
basic rights such as food, water and
good health,” she says.
In addition to volunteering, Maithili has
two casual jobs: tutoring students and
working in an office. “I’m still going to
keep those jobs, but I can now prioritise
my study because I have the financial
support I need,” she says.
Ambition in astrophysics
Putting in that extra effort
Kenneth Jacks’ passion for science and
a strong work ethic saw him excel in his
studies at Salisbury East High School. In
addition to achieving an ATAR of 98.25,
he was dux of the school in specialist
mathematics, physics and maths studies
and also won its science, technology,
engineering and mathematics award.
His academic achievements were
recognised with both an Augustus
Short Scholarship and also a University
Principal’s Scholarship, awarded for high
academic achievement and contribution
to the school and community.
“With two other brothers to support,
winning these scholarships means a very
welcome reduced financial burden on my
parents,” he says. “Education is expensive
so this takes the pressure off me needing
to work at the expense of my studies.”
Kenneth is in the first year of a
Bachelor of Science (Advanced),
majoring in physics. He plans to pursue
his interest in astronomy and one day
hopes to be an astrophysicist.
Kylie Do has a love of science which
she wants to pass on to others – which
is why she chose to complete a double
Bachelor of Teaching and Science degree.
It was Kylie’s parents who encouraged
her to study hard and pursue a career
she will really enjoy, not just a job that
pays the bills.
She excelled at science in her final
year at Mary MacKillop College where
she was dux in chemistry, biology and
physics and overall dux of the school.
She also won a school leadership award.
The Augustus Short Scholarship will
help ease the financial pressure so that
Kylie can concentrate on her studies.
“Financially, it’s a huge relief. My dad
told me that he didn’t have anything to give
me but my education, and that’s helped
me to push hard throughout my school
years to really achieve what I wanted.”
Left: Kylie Do (left) and Maithili Mishra (right)
Below: Kenneth Jacks and his family
Photo by Jo-Anna Robinson
To find out more about supporting students through scholarships at the
University of Adelaide visit www.adelaide.edu.au/give/support or contact
External Relations on +61 8 8313 5800 or development@adelaide.edu.au
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 17
