Graduand appreciates support from The Smith Family
Financial support from The Smith Family Tertiary Scholarship program and advice from television presenter Rosanna Natoli have made a world of difference for University of the Sunshine Coast student Lauren Kesby.
Lauren, 20, of Glass House Mountains will graduate from USC on Thursday 24 April with a degree in Communications and a desire to gain further qualifications.
She said The Smith Family had provided valuable support for her education, particularly since her father was seriously injured in a car accident five years ago and could no longer work.
The non-profit organisation, which supports financially-disadvantaged children to reach their potential through education and learning opportunities, provided Lauren with a mentor when she enrolled to study journalism at USC.
Lauren said she was thrilled and surprised when she found out her mentor was Seven Local News presenter Rosanna Natoli.
“I was a bit nervous at first,” she said. “But Rosanna was really approachable and helped me out so much.
“Having Rosanna’s guidance and knowledge available to me has definitely helped me through university. It also gave me a sneak peek into what it would be like to accomplish dreams.
“The scholarship program has given me the opportunity to have a fantastic university experience that I will always remember. It allowed me to focus all my attention on my studies.”
Lauren plans to pursue a range of writing ambitions and has this year enrolled in a Graduate Diploma of Education at USC so she can teach English and SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment) in the future.
Mrs Natoli said being Lauren’s mentor had been a rewarding experience.
“I have watched her grow from a shy first-year uni student to a very confident and accomplished woman,” she said. “It has been very pleasing.”
The Smith Family’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Henderson thanked Mrs Natoli for her dedication and commitment to supporting disadvantaged students reach their potential through education and learning opportunities.
“Through the generosity of caring Australians, The Smith Family provides more than 27, 000 disadvantaged students with financial scholarships to cover educational costs,” Mr Henderson said.
“Many of these students are the first in their families to complete their formal schooling and contemplate a TAFE or University course.
“The Smith Family provides mentors to support students like Lauren to ensure they have the best chance to make a successful transition from tertiary studies to work.”
The Smith Family is calling for other volunteers to act as mentors, especially those with backgrounds in animation, science, photography, hospitality, psychology or nursing. Call The Smith Family on 5443 5864 for more details.
— Claire Bruynius