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Bursary recipient Melanie learns for life
A 25-year-old former child care worker who thought her dyslexia would prevent her from even attending university has been recognised for her success and hard work at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Melanie Anquetil, who is in her third year of a double degree in Education and Human Services at USC, has received a $1,000 bursary from the Australian Federation of University Women (AFUW).
The Kureelpa woman is one of five 2009 AFUW bursary recipients.
“It’s humbling because it’s the first time I’ve received anything like this,” said Melanie, a teacher’s assistant for Prep classes at Nambour Christian College.
She said the bursary would help with everyday expenses, like rent, while she juggled full-time study, work and her art. Painting in acrylics is a hobby she started a few years ago when she was confined by illness.
“I’ve also been invited to do Honours at USC,” she said. “I’d like to further my studies in Human Services because I want to get into child psychology.”
Melanie moved to the Coast from Sydney about five years ago after some dramatic travelling. She worked on cruise ships and at a camp for disadvantaged children in Canada, where one of her co-workers was murdered.
“I didn’t consider going to uni because I’m dyslexic,” she said. “I barely made it through high school, although I did manage to get childcare qualifications.
“One day I randomly looked at the USC website and saw a promotion for a career in education. Considering I was already working at a school, I called up. I went to an interview and got accepted in early 2007.”
Melanie said she had developed better strategies for coping with dyslexia.
The four other AFUW bursary recipients for 2009 are Sarah Simpson (Science Honours), Megan Mackander (Journalism), Dana Craven (Nutrition and Dietetics) and Julie Neil (Nutrition and Dietetics).
— Julie Gatehouse