Western Chances scholarships are awarded to talented and motivated young people in Melbourne’s west who have been recognised by their nominators, teachers, lecturers and the wider community.
Here are just a few of the students we have awarded scholarships to over the years.
For stories from young people who have participated in our internship program, click here.
Naasima, 15, is in Year 10. She is academically talented and shines in her favourite subjects, which are maths, science and technology. Naasima has been with Western Chances since 2020.
“With three sisters at school and uni, our family had a lot of education expenses. So the Western Chances Scholarship helped us a lot. With the scholarship I could buy my own desk. That meant I could be much more organised. It made a real difference. Thanks so much to Western Chances for the scholarship and for the other opportunities like the Spark Engineering camp. I loved the camp so much. I learned about different careers, problem solving and leadership. I’m still in contact with the friends I made there from all over Victoria. In the future I want to keep studying hard and to do a degree in architecture or interior design.”
Geu, 24, holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) degree from RMIT University and is working as an engineer for Major Road Projects Victoria. He has been a Western Chances Scholarship holder throughout university.
“At school my strengths were science and problem-solving, so engineering was a logical career choice. Also, I spent seven years in a refugee camp when I was young and saw first-hand the negative impact that underdeveloped infrastructure can have on people’s lives. I wanted to make a real difference. Because of the Western Chances Scholarship I was able to cut back on my part time work, focus more on my studies and buy essentials like a laptop and textbooks. That was fantastic. And it’s been inspirational to meet other Western Chances students who have the same drive and mindset as I do. The support I’ve received from Western Chances makes me determined to succeed. It’s a great organisation and I’m so grateful for their help.”
Katharine, 25, works as an electoral officer for a Victorian Government Member of Parliament. A high achiever academically, she holds a Bachelor of International Politics, Bachelor of Media and Communications, and a Master of International Relations.
“My first Western Chances Scholarship was in Year 11. Initially I was going to study psychology but a visit to Parliament House (through a Trinity program facilitated by Western Chances) made me realise the positive impact that government can have on people’s lives. My family environment was difficult and we had financial worries. It was such a relief to receive the scholarship. That took a lot of pressure away. Now I’ve come a full circle. I’m on the STAR sub-committee of the Western Chances Board, and I’m mentoring a student who is doing a similar course to mine. Western Chances has built a diverse and close-knit community, one that has helped me so much personally and professionally. Through them I’ve had so many great opportunities. Just saying ‘thank you’ will never be enough.”
Julian, 17, is in Year 11. He is a top performer in all his academic subjects and is also completing a VET Certificate III in Music Industry (Performance). A talented musician who plays guitar and drums, he hopes to pursue a career in music.
“Music started as a hobby but became my passion. At the moment I practise every day and play instruments in three different bands. I play a whole range of stuff but my favourite musical style at the moment is metal. Western Chances has helped me a lot. The scholarship paid for public transport, textbooks and music lessons. It made a big difference to my family and to me. I’m looking forward to other opportunities that Western Chances offers too. Next year I’ll be going to the Lord Somers Big Camp, where I’ll be meeting a lot of other young people and joining them in personal development and leadership activities. I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve received.”
Sana, 21, is a third-year Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) student who is looking forward to completing her Honours year at RMIT University. Working as an undergraduate engineer at the Metro Tunnel, she is gaining valuable practical experience.
“Although I really enjoyed maths, I didn’t want to conform to gender and ethnic stereotypes. This drove me to pursue engineering. Financially, things were difficult for our family, with four of us at secondary school. Knowing that my parents had to pay for one fewer child made me proud of my achievements that led to me being nominated. Western Chances provided me with the confidence I needed to make a move towards independence. Thanks to Western Chances for their unwavering support and the confidence and connections they have given me. I genuinely wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I’ve been inspired to keep the cycle of kindness going by volunteering with Red Cross and Spark Engineering camp whenever I can.”
Kareem, 15, is in Year 9. A keen student who is a high academic achiever, he is part of his school’s Student Leadership and Action Team. Kareem’s goal is to study law or engineering at university.
“My Western Chances Scholarship opened up a lot of opportunities and made things easier for me and for my family. It paid for a myki, so that I could go to classes when they were held in the city, and for things like textbooks. Through Western Chances I also went to events that were fun, like to the Melbourne Zoo. I enjoy school and want to make the most of what I’m learning. I enjoy maths and sport, and especially public speaking because it’s a challenge. I want to thank Western Chances for their help and the opportunities they are giving to kids like me. It’s great to have someone recognise my abilities and all the work I’m putting in.”
Brittany, 17, is in Year 11. Academically talented across the board, she is focused on achieving the best possible marks at school so that she will have her choice of tertiary courses. She received her first Western Chances Scholarship in 2021.
“My textbooks, Wi-Fi, and Myki were all covered by my Western Chances Scholarship. This made me feel at ease, allowing me to relax and focus on dedicating time to my studies instead of worrying about external matters. When I went to the Awards Ceremony, I realised that I wasn’t alone and that there are other people in similar circumstances. Knowing that Western Chances is there to help us all is a good feeling. My goal is to study finance and maybe do a double degree. I really appreciate everything that the people at Western Chances are doing for us and hope they can continue their great work.”
Manar, 20, has completed two years of a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Victoria University. A keen and highly talented swimmer, her goal is to make the Australian swimming team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“Swimming is my passion. On top of my studies, I train every day in the pool and do gym sessions as well. That’s what I need to do to make the Olympic team. I’m hoping my degree will lead me into a career in occupational therapy. When my dad had a stroke and I saw how therapists helped his recovery, I knew what I wanted to do. My Western Chances Scholarship has helped my family a lot because mum is the only person working. My sister and I help look after dad. But the best thing is that I don’t feel alone, I know that someone has my back. This motivates me to keep doing my best. I’d like to thank Western Chances for all their support and for making my family proud.”
Aleks is a Bachelor of Arts student at The University of Melbourne. Through Western Chances, she is undertaking a media and communications internship under the supervision of a successful marketing agency.
“Western Chances transforms lives. For those of us who don’t have a great start, the scholarship motivates us to do better. And the financial help allows us to focus more on study. My dad is a full-time carer so we don’t have a regular wage. Western Chances helped me buy textbooks and a myki, and helped me get a non-residential scholarship to Ormond College which makes a big difference. The internship has been a game-changer. It’s given me experience and shown me a potential career path. I’ve strengthened my skills too. Without Western Chances I wouldn’t have this fantastic opportunity. It’s great to belong to such an incredibly supportive community, where they know us all and care about us as individuals.”
Akon spent 10 years in a refugee camp in Kenya before coming to Australia in 2017. He is currently studying VCE and is School Captain. Unanimously elected Valedictorian at the Trinity Young Leaders Program, he was awarded a full residential scholarship at Trinity for 2020.
“Having a Western Chances scholarship made a big difference to my life. I’m very grateful. That money, for a computer and tutoring, meant that I could concentrate on my studies. It also made things easier for my family. I enjoy studying and if my marks are good enough, I want to study medicine at The University of Melbourne. There is a lot of disease and illness in the world, and I want to be someone who can help others in the community. Lending a hand to young people changes lives. Through Western Chances I learned that I have potential. Now I’m trying my hardest to do well so that I can repay the faith they have in me.”
Alannah is in Year 11. She is an academic high achiever who is very involved in school and in the community in a range of leadership roles. She is the youngest of three sisters who are Western Chances recipients.
“Western Chances doesn’t just give us money, they give us confidence. They also connect us to people and opportunities, opening doors for us that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. I feel very motivated knowing that I have so much to look forward to. Not having to worry a lot about money has allowed me to do my best at school and has taken pressure off mum by paying for textbooks, a computer and printing. My goal is to be a paramedic, either locally or in the Army. I have a good rapport with people and a passion for biology, so I think it would be a good fit. I know that the experiences I’m having through Western Chances are a springboard to my dream job.”
Ayad is studying for a Certificate III in EAL (Further Study) at Victoria University. An aspiring director, his four short films have been viewed by over 5000 people on YouTube and he has had films shown on Iraqi television.
“My big dream is to be a director one day. I love film and I want to make this my career. My family are refugees from Iraq. We spent three years in Lebanon before we arrived here and that was hard. It’s difficult to start life in a new country and we didn’t have money. When I received a scholarship from Western Chances, I was able to buy my own camera. Now I can start to earn money doing photo sessions. I’ve been accepted into a Certificate IV in Media at RMIT University for next year and I’m so happy. I want to give Western Chances more than thanks. They’ve made a big difference to my life.”
Chi is undertaking a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Business Management at RMIT University. Along with a full time study load, she is working as an intern with a leading commercial construction company where she coordinates building services.
“Financial difficulties at home meant it was hard to find the money for textbooks and calculators. The Western Chances scholarship gave me the funds I needed to study the subjects I loved, through secondary school and during my degree. Western Chances also gave me this internship opportunity. It started as paid work experience before I gained a full internship. I love it because it’s a really good combination of maths, contributing to something practical and seeing your work manifest itself. I’d like to progress further in my industry, maybe go on to a Masters in Architecture and become a construction design manager. Western Chances is fantastic. It provides a bridge for those of us without industry contacts to take up our careers of choice and become part of a professional workforce.”
Dang is in Year 10. He studies in an accelerated program where he is undertaking two VCE subjects. He was Junior School Vice-Captain and a member of the SRC. He also plays trombone and sings.
“Because of the financial help from Western Chances, I was able to do well in my accelerated classes. We had money worries at home so things were difficult. The scholarships gave me a lot of motivation too and an extra push. Now I have more focus with my studies and I’m better at organising my time. I want to do really well for the people who believe in me and give me so much support. In the future I want to be a vet. The interaction between people and animals is very special. By helping animals, I’ll be helping people too, and that’s a good career.”
Kwa La arrived in Australia from Myanmar in 2013 with her mother and four siblings. An aspiring youth worker, she currently assists young people at her local church to adjust to life in a new country.
“Western Chances scholarships lifted a big weight off my shoulders and helped my mum too. Now we don’t have to worry so much about the cost of things like textbooks, stationery and internet. Before Western Chances helped me to attend the Trinity College Young Leaders Program, I thought university would be just white people and me. Now I know that it’s a diverse community that I can belong to and feel comfortable in. It boosted by confidence and let me express my identity. Because Western Chances believe in me, I have more confidence and more motivation to do well. I’m proud that I’ve been selected for a scholarship and I’m very thankful for their generosity and support.”
Long graduated from The University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce and is now a graduate at an airline. He volunteers for several organisations assisting disadvantaged young people and is a member of the Western Chances STAR advisory group.
“Western Chances is amazing. Such a small office produces results that change lives for hundreds of people. I’ve been so incredibly fortunate to be supported in this way. In secondary school, things were difficult. I come from a single parent family where there were severe mental health issues and little money. Our home was damaged and unsafe. Having my Western Chances scholarship throughout my education changed my life. But it wasn’t just about money. Western Chances connected me with other recipients from my school, building us a community to support each other. They also gave me opportunities to further my studies and build my confidence, opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach in my situation.”
Sammie is in her final year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Hons) / Bachelor of Business (Management) degree at RMIT University. She is undertaking an internship with a major commercial construction company.
“A career in building and construction is totally right for me. It’s long hours, but I love the mix of office work and being on site in my hard hat! I wouldn’t be where I am without my Western Chances scholarship. It gave me the opportunity to prepare for VCE exams. Without that stepping stone I wouldn’t have had the marks to get into my course. Coming to university from a less privileged background is harder. Reducing the burden on my parents was a great feeling. It’s fantastic to be backed by an organisation where people believe in me. I’ll always be grateful to Western Chances and I’ll do whatever I can to help them now and in the future.”
Ruth is in the first year Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. A Kachin refugee from Myanmar who arrived in Australia in 2015, she taught herself English and achieved an outstanding ATAR. Her goal is to become a doctor.
“Before I came to Australia we were very poor and I had a lot of difficulties. But I knew that here I could start again, help my family and turn my life around. So I studied as hard as I could. Without Western Chances I wouldn’t be at university now. Because I’m a refugee I can’t get HECS. Western Chances recommended me for a Mary Jane Lewis scholarship, which pays my fees. Then they helped me apply for a residential scholarship at Trinity College. I’m so incredibly grateful to Western Chances and Trinity. I’m going to repay their kindness by being a doctor who helps poor communities. When I left Myanmar I had no self-confidence and no hope. Now I’m a very different person. I’m really grateful to all the Western Chances donors who help students like me.”
Michael is an engineer at Maribyrnong City Council. He completed a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering (Structural) at The University of Melbourne and has participated in exchange programs in Poland, Sweden and the USA.
“When I was at school, financial hardship and family difficulties meant I couldn’t do any extra curricula activities. A Western Chances scholarship made all the difference. At school I loved all the sciences but they’re expensive to study. Western Chances paid for internet, stationery, books and calculators, everything I needed to help me do well. At uni the scholarships helped me with transport and textbooks. Most important was the personal support I had from Western Chances staff. They believed in me and kept me motivated, helping with resumes, applications and more. It sounds small, but it wasn’t. I’m determined to make everyone who helped me proud. I volunteer for my church community too. I want to help others because I’ve had so much support in my life.”
Julie is in the second year of a Bachelor of Pharmacy/Masters of Pharmacy at Monash University. In 2016, with her mother and brother, she arrived in Australia as a refugee from Syria. She is academically talented, receiving all distinctions and high distinctions in her first year of university.
“Amazing people work at Western Chances. Their financial support is very much appreciated but the emotional support they provided made my transition to Australian life a lot easier. Also, tickets they gave me to activities like football mean now I can talk about AFL to anyone. This is very important in Melbourne. As refugees, my family couldn’t afford all the things I needed to go to university. My Western Chances scholarship paid for textbooks, printing and myki, so I could concentrate on my studies and not worry so much about money. Meeting successful young people at Western Chances events is very motivating; it makes me want to be like them. Now I feel like I belong somewhere, not just to Australia but to the fantastic Western Chances community.”
Eangano is a third year Bachelor of Biomedicine and Exercise Science student at Victoria University. He founded ARK, an organisation that helps new migrants and refugees to integrate into the community.
“When we came to Australia after many years in African refugee camps we struggled to integrate. I started ARK because I wanted to help others bridge that gap. Financially my family had a tough time, raising 8 children with minimal English and very low incomes. As we got older we worked part time as much as we could to contribute. Western Chances made a huge difference. Through the scholarships, I was offered things I’d never had before – textbooks, a laptop and access to the internet. And it wasn’t just money. Western Chances connected me to a program where I was chosen to walk the Kokoda Trail, which was a life-changing experience. Western Chances opened a door to a lot of opportunities for me. Without them, none of my achievements would have happened. It’s impossible to repay that.”
Caitlin was accelerated from Year 9 in 2017 to Year 11 in 2018. She is very involved with leadership activities at school and works part time. She is a very high academic achiever.
“My mum passed away in 2016 and now I live with my grandparents. It’s going OK but they don’t have the money to pay for my school things. Western Chances helped out with books, stationery, tutoring, camps and photocopying, and that made a big difference. They helped me access maths tutoring from the Institute for Enquiring Minds. I also did the Trinity Young Leaders program and that was amazing. I made so many friends and learned so much. It helped me clarify what I want to do in the future and how I can achieve my goals. Being connected to Western Chances has taken a lot of stress off my shoulders and given me a lot to look forward to. I know that not everyone gets this type of opportunity to do well in life – it’s wonderful. I’d like to thank Western Chances very, very much.”
Chris is a VCE Leader and a student representative on his school’s Education Committee. He regularly helps out with school fundraisers and activities, and his dream is to complete a double degree in law and commerce.
“This is my second year with Western Chances. They helped me buy a calculator, textbooks and laptop. My mum doesn’t work because she isn’t well so we’ve always had a bit of a struggle. I work part time to help out. In Year 10 I had massive health problems which led to anxiety and low self-esteem. But since then things have improved and I have a greater sense of self-worth. Western Chances stays in touch with me and I know I can always go to them for help. Since I got the Western Chances scholarships I’m even more motivated. Knowing there are people backing me, I try even harder to do my best. The opportunity Western Chances has given me has been fantastic. They help not only me but hundreds of kids and that’s amazing.”
Joanna, 15, has been dux of her class for the last 2 years. Now in Year 9, she is above the expected level in almost every subject. A talented musician who is in multiple bands, she swims at state level and is hoping to qualify for the national titles next year.
“I love learning new things and putting into practice what I learn. I try hard at everything I do, that’s my mindset. Western Chances scholarships help a lot as we have financial constraints at home. They paid for my clarinet exam. They also bought me a computer and that made a huge difference. I struggled when we had online assignments because I had to do them at school. Now I can put more work in because I have a computer at home. Western Chances has presented me with so many great opportunities. Best of all it’s brought me closer to my Western Chances peers at school. It’s great to spend time with likeminded, motivated people. I’m really looking forward to other opportunities through Western Chances. I’d like to thank them very much.”
Nathanael is in Year 11. Academically talented across the curriculum, he achieved straight As for his Year 10 exams. He was class captain in Years 9 and 10, is on the School Executive, participates in youth groups and learns Japanese in his free time.
“At home, I had family and financial difficulties. I’m doing advanced maths and calculators and books are really expensive. My Western Chances scholarships helped me to buy essential school equipment so that I could do the subjects I wanted. In the future I’d like to have a career in law or commerce because they offer a lot of possibilities. Thanks to Western Chances I attended VCE Summer School at The University of Melbourne. I was nervous about doing VCE but this program made me realise that I’d be ok. Then the Young Leaders Program gave me another big boost. I was privileged to attend both. Western Chances has been a godsend for me and for my family. Now I work even harder to make the most of the fantastic opportunities that I’ve been given.”
Annie, 16, is in Year 11. Apart from school service awards for music, community engagement, extra-curricular studies and citizenship, she has received awards for mathematics and linguistics competitions and is a Monash Scholar. Annie has also achieved 8th Grade Piano with the Australian Music Examinations Board.
“I love piano, I’ve been playing for 10 years and it helps me to manage stress. I practise for 7 hours a week, as much as I can without interfering with my academic studies. We have financial pressures at home, so when Western Chances paid for my textbooks, calculator, music lessons, printing and internet, it was a big relief. Western Chances provides me with a lot of opportunities, like VCE Summer School and the Trinity Young Leaders Program. They also arranged for me to go to the Girls STEM Summit, where we listened to inspiring women talk about how they overcame barriers. It was very empowering. Western Chances has allowed me to dare to become more than I ever thought possible. I don’t have to settle for second best. Now I know my dreams can be a reality and I can aim higher.”
Abid completed postgraduate studies in medicine at The University of Melbourne last year. Currently undertaking an internship at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, he is part of the Western Chances Alumni Community and STAR advisory group.
“My internship is great. I’ve been on rotation in general surgery, emergency and orthopaedic surgery. Next year I’m hoping to do a surgical residency and with a bit more training and experience my goal is to apply to the Royal College of Surgeons. While I was in secondary school our family experienced some financial hardships. I found a part time job so that I could help out. The Western Chances scholarships paid for transport, stationery, textbooks and applications for medical exams. It meant I didn’t have to work so many hours. I could concentrate on my studies. Through being part of the Western Chances community I’ve had a lot of opportunities and made valuable professional and personal connections. I’m proud to be giving back and mentoring younger people who are thinking of a career in medicine. Thanks to Western Chances for being there and for the opportunities that have enriched my life.”
Cheylee is in Year 11 and is academically talented across the curriculum. She works part time in retail and has been a volunteer junior camp assistant for disadvantaged youth. She will be the first person in her family to attend university.
“My Western Chances scholarships took a lot of pressure off my mum, who’s a single parent with two teenagers. It felt good to be less of a burden for her. The scholarships paid for textbooks, my calculator and art materials. Art is my passion and I was able to buy proper canvases, which are expensive. Through Western Chances I also completed the Doxa Pathways program, which taught me what I have to do to go to uni. And I completed the Trinity College Young Leaders Program, where I met other students from around the world. It was a real eye-opener about other cultures, I learned so much. It made me certain that I want to work in social justice in some way. I’m really grateful for the opportunities that Western Chances has given me. I know I wouldn’t be this far along in my studies without their help.”
David excels in maths and science, receiving top scores last year in maths methods, science, physics and biology (accelerated subject). He has served as a student ambassador and his goal is to go on to university to study medicine.
“I love science because it explains the unknown world. And I love to learn about how the body functions, how everything works to keep us alive. That’s why I want to do medicine, to help people achieve optimal health for themselves and their families. It’s so important. My goal is to become a specialist in cardiology because the heart pumps for a whole lifetime. Thanks to Western Chances I’ve been able to buy textbooks and other school supplies. Money worries have put a lot of strain on our family. Two of my brothers have special needs, and their care is expensive. Now there is more money for them. The Western Chances scholarships have given me the resources I need to achieve my potential at school and to contribute to our family.”
Elizabeth is in Year 9. Born in Kenya, she came to Australia in 2009. She does well in all her subjects and is involved in many extracurricular activities, including her school’s Student Representative Council.
“The Western Chances scholarships have made a big difference to my life. It’s less of a burden for my parents. They work a lot and worry about money. Now I don’t have to go to them for money all the time, there’s less stress in our home. The scholarships have helped me to buy textbooks and a laptop computer, so I don’t have to wait in turn for the computer at home. I can take it to the library and work there if I want. I enjoy all my subjects at school and I do well in everything. I definitely want to go to university but I’m not sure what I will study, maybe business or law. I’d like to thank Western Chances because they are helping me to get a good education. Through my scholarships I can help my parents too.”
James is a third year of Bachelor of Laws (Hons) /Arts student. He also works part time on campus as a residential services assistant, helping other students from all over the world to settle in and get the most out of campus life.
“My Arts/Law degree is giving me the tools I need to analyse and solve problems, something that will help me in the future. My goal is to work in Canberra, in government. I love the idea of being a political speechwriter. Before I discovered Western Chances I was struggling to meet the costs of my textbooks and studies. The scholarships really took the pressure off and gave me more time. I didn’t have to sit in the library to read books. I could buy my own and read at home. The best thing about Western Chances is the connections and opportunities they’ve given me. And the awesome people I’ve met – people in a similar situation to me, who are trying to push through and succeed. We’ve forged a real bond. Thanks to Western Chances for believing in young people from the west and for helping us to believe in ourselves.”
Gemma is a fourth year Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) (Photography) student at RMIT University. She specialises in documentary photography, and aims to continue creating work that comments on societal issues.
“During my VCE studies, my mum passed away and I didn’t have a lot of other support at the time. I was accepted into RMIT to study a degree in photography, though being a high material cost program I was expected to fund additional things like equipment, editing programs, photographic paper and more. My honours year has helped me develop and refine a project that will be published as a book next year. Without Western Chances, I wouldn’t have been able to afford these important things which have helped to get to where I am now. The scholarships have fuelled me to be confident and have motivated me to succeed in this competitive, creative field. Western Chances isn’t just an organisation. It’s a community of passionate people who do everything they can to support and empower people like me and I’m incredibly grateful for their efforts.”
Saeed arrived in Australia in 2012 as a refugee from Afghanistan. A very talented maths student, he works part time in a restaurant on weekends.
“School is great. I love learning new things every day, solving problems and building my knowledge. Maths is my favourite subject. It’s hard at home for my parents to manage when they don’t have work. They help me as much as they can and they want me to get a good education. My scholarships have covered my textbooks, a desk and tutoring in English, because it is an important subject and I want to do well in VCE. I’m very serious about my studies. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to get these things if it wasn’t for Western Chances. I’m really grateful and so is my family. It means less stress for them and for me as a student. In the future I want to become an architect or a civil engineer, designing and creating practical buildings.”
Song Tinh is in his second year of a Bachelor of Applied Science/Master of Physiotherapy. He also volunteers with Sunshine Headspace, visiting schools to help young people deal with the pressures of anxiety and stress in senior years.
“When some of my family members were ill I saw how physiotherapy helped them recover. That made me decide I wanted to help people in the same way. The course is challenging but rewarding. I’ve made the right choice. My Western Chances scholarships have helped my family through times of financial hardship by covering things like myki, textbooks and printing. It’s given us peace of mind. Through Western Chances, I took part in a Trinity Young Leaders camp which was life-changing. And I’ve been awarded a Dafydd Lewis Trust Scholarship thanks to their strong referrals and advocacy on my behalf. Over summer I’m volunteering in Vietnam, helping disabled children through physio. None of this would have happened without Western Chances. I want Western Chances to know how much I appreciate the faith they have in me. The funds are great but the best thing is knowing that someone recognises my hard work in this way.”
Jemima is a gifted dancer and performer who works incredibly hard and is determined to succeed in her chosen career. She is currently studying musical theatre full time.
“Dance is my first love. I do ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap – and singing, acting and acrobatics too. But to stay on top and keep improving, I need to do classes every week. I applied for my first Western Chances scholarship about seven years ago, because my mum and I were struggling financially. It was a small amount but it made an amazing difference because it meant I could continue dance classes. Performing at the Western Chances awards ceremony in front of so many people was a great opportunity and an honour. I couldn’t be more thankful for all the help that Western Chances has given me. It feels great to know that people care, believe in me and are prepared to give me such fantastic support.”
Ryan was School Captain and won a Community Leadership Award in 2014. In 2015 he became a Senior Army Cadet. He is now studying for a Certificate III in Carpentry.
“I’ve always liked working with my hands and loved building and construction at school. So I decided to be a carpenter, but tools and books were expensive. Our family is in a difficult financial position because my dad has been injured at work and is now totally and permanently disabled. Mum works only a few hours a week as she has to care for him. I receive youth allowance and try to totally support myself. I’m studying hard so that I can complete my qualification faster and earn a wage. Western Chances helped me with money for tools and learning materials. That help made a big difference to our lives and relieved some of the pressure on my parents. We’re very grateful.”
Daisy is in Year 9 and demonstrates great community spirit when she involves herself in volunteer work and school fundraisers for people in need.
“When I was nominated for a Western Chances scholarship I was thrilled. I was very happy to know my hard work was rewarded and my parents were extremely proud. Things like my schoolbooks, internet and stationery cost a lot. Until recently our family was relying on mum’s part time carer wage because dad had an injury and has only just begun to go back to part time work. I thought I might have to delay my tertiary studies because of money worries. The Western Chances scholarship is a massive help and I’m really thankful. It will help me fulfil my dream to get into uni to become a secondary maths and science teacher, working in disadvantaged communities in rural Australia.”
Nathan achieved high marks in his undergraduate degree and is now studying a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Melbourne, completing a media and communications thesis combined with creative writing coursework.
“With my first Western Chances scholarship, when I was in Year 9, I was equipped to go on and fulfil my dream of going to university. Originally I wanted to study music but then decided I wanted to be a journalist, one who informs the public about real news. I come from a large family and we all live at home. For a time my father worked casually and mum didn’t work. I work part time but it’s been a struggle financially. Having a scholarship that covers my education essentials has been a huge help. Things like textbooks and public transport are expensive. Western Chances is integral to where I am now, compared to where I might have been without their assistance.”
Chamandi is an excellent student who is now in Year 10, working hard at school and determined to succeed.
“My family was in financial difficulties because my dad passed away suddenly when we were on holidays last year. My mum was so stressed about how she would manage. I really like school. I like to be active and I’m aiming for a career in sports science, maybe as a nutritionist. I want to do something that will help people. My father always supported us and encouraged us to get the best education we could. He would want me to do well and I want him to be proud of me. Western Chances helped me pay for my myki, textbooks and stationery. It was such a relief. Mum isn’t as stressed now. I’d like to thank them very, very much for helping us.”
Wally is an excellent student who did well academically and took on leadership roles at secondary school. He is now a first year law/commerce student at Monash University.
“I’ve always wanted to do law, and I thought that adding commerce to my degree would make me more employable. In the future my goal is to become a barrister. Before I received a Western Chances scholarship, my parents weren’t able to pay for all the things we needed because there are three of us at school and my dad is in lower paid employment. I would never ask my parents for extra money. The scholarship really relieved our family’s stress. And it’s not just the money for text books and study notes. Through Western Chances, I attended the Young Leaders Program at Trinity College, which was inspirational. I learned so much there. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Western Chances. They’ve helped me so much.”
Kurtis received his first Western Chances scholarship in Year 7. He is a high achiever who puts enormous efforts into his schoolwork.
“I’m going to study hard and do my best because I want to be the first person in my family to complete university. I’m hoping that I can study either engineering or architecture. Having the Western Chances scholarship has helped us out a lot financially. Textbooks and the internet are very expensive. My dad is sometimes unemployed and mum works a part time job. We get by but it’s really hard to pay for everything for my brother and me. Big thanks to Western Chances for helping so many kids in need. It’s a great honour and I’ll work hard in return. I’m grateful that they believe in me.”
Parham is in Year 10. His dream is to become a doctor and to support his parents.
“We came here from Iran as refugees in 2013 and my parents can’t apply for work because of their visas. We don’t have much money. Western Chances has helped us so much. Now our family is calmer with less stress and I don’t have to ask my parents for more money. The scholarship pays for textbooks and for my myki. My goal is to get high marks in Year 12, go to university and study medicine. I want to help other people. I like school and studying, especially maths and science. The Western Chances Awards Ceremony was really good. I felt important and my parents were very proud. That was the best part.”