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Blackall teenager studies to help youth
A teenager who this week leaves behind cattle station life almost 1,000km west of Brisbane to pursue university education on the Sunshine Coast has received a $12,000 scholarship.
Blackall 17-year-old Bonita Lawrence attended the first lecture of her Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) on Monday at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The Blackall State School graduate is one of two students to receive a Tim Fairfax Regional Scholarship at USC this semester.
“It will mean I won’t have the stress of working a job while I’m concentrating on uni,” said Bonita, a sports and fitness fan who hopes to meet new people and join clubs on campus at Sippy Downs.
Tim Fairfax AM told last week’s USC Undergraduate Scholarships Presentation Ceremony how pleased he was to be able to provide these scholarships, which help support students from regional or remote Queensland.
Worth $12,000 over three years, they are awarded for high academic achievement, leadership skills and financial need.
Bonita, who has holidayed on the Sunshine Coast, said she chose the University because it offered a more relaxed transition from living at home to living away for study.
“Once I graduate, this degree will help me get into youth work,” she said. “I’ve always felt connected to people who have hard times in life and I want to do something to help.”
Bonita was among 67 students who gained scholarships, ranging in value from $3,500 to $12,000, at the ceremony.
– Julie Gatehouse