A drive to succeed

Scholarship recipient Denisa completed VCE last year, and achieved an ATAR of 94.30, a remarkable achievement. In her spare time, she enjoys the creative arts and is passionate about photography, painting and reading poetry.

She’s now studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, with her sights set on a psychology major.

Denisa grew up in Romania and moved back to Australia in 2017 when she was 14.

“It was a huge change for me, but I was determined to set goals and stick to them. The Western Chances scholarship was a great support during those difficult times, and it still is today.”

Adapting to a new culture and language wasn’t easy, but Denisa took on the challenge and showed great resilience.

“I’ve always had the desire to strive for better in terms of education and building a career pathway. Romania gave me limited opportunities. Moving to Australia was one of the best decisions my family made.”

“Learning a new language comes with challenges but also great rewards. The Western Chances scholarship was a huge support that helped me achieve the academic success I’ve always strived for.”

“The scholarship is a gateway to accessing amazing networks of people who can give you support in various areas of academic wellbeing. My social group has improved as a result of receiving the Western Chances scholarship, as well as my mental health and wellbeing.”

Together with financial support, Denisa values the external opportunities the scholarship provides. The chance to meet other domestic and international students through our Links partner programs has been a highlight. She was even named valedictorian at Trinity College’s Young Leaders Program.

“It’s a program I care for dearly because I met the most wonderful people. Strong connections were formed as a result of the social and intellectual conversations held with people from around the world. What’s most exciting is that I now have a list of countries I want to visit so I can see those beautiful faces again.”

Her rapport with people has carried into her university life, and she was thrilled to join the non-residential program at Ormond College, one of our Links Partners.

“My favourite memory from Western Chances was when I received an email about applying for the Ormond Non-residential scholarship right before my Legal Studies exam in Year 12. I think that thought stuck with me throughout the entire examination period and made me realise how grateful I am to have opportunities come my way. Currently, I am part of the Ormond College community and every second I spend there motivates me.”

Denisa has big dreams for her future:

“I hope to enrol into a postgraduate degree in psychology and hope to qualify as a registered psychologist. I’d also love to study abroad or travel to different parts of the world to learn more about different cultures and languages while sharing my own knowledge.”