Taking big steps into the world of STEM.

Diana’s passion for engineering was ignited when she went to a Spark Engineering Camp while at high school. After seeing her interest in STEM develop, Western Chances knew the camp was a great way to introduce Diana to the opportunities of a STEM career. Run by volunteers, Spark Engineering Camps were first developed by Sudanese Australian Yassmin Abdel-Maggied as a Youth Without Borders project, and introduce students to STEM professional pathways. They also give young people the opportunity to meet mentors and like-minded students. “It heightened my interest in engineering, and allowed me to talk with amazing people who I may not have been able to meet otherwise… it was a really inspiring experience.”

Diana is now studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Melbourne. Western Chances helped facilitate a Mary Jane Lewis scholarship and a residential scholarship at Ormond College. “The Mary Jane Lewis scholarship has opened many opportunities and living on campus as a resident at Ormond College is an amazing experience that offers a lot more than just living away from home.”

The scholarships and their support cut Diana’s travel time and helped her transition to University’s more independent nature: “The travel from Uni can take up to an hour, which is not ideal when travelling alone late at night (and scares my parents haha).”

Beyond her studies, Diana has a flare for music, playing in a band with her brother. “I love playing the bass guitar! I tend to gravitate towards playing heavier styles of music, as a bassist in a rock/metal band. I started playing bass in around 2015, because my older brother needed a bassist for his band, and I’ve stuck with it ever since!”

Western Chances’ support of her creative pursuits and her academic goals has had a very positive impact in her life. “They supported my passion for music by paying for a new bass, enabled me to attend Spark Engineering Camp, assisted me in being a non-resident at Ormond College, which lead to becoming a resident, and heaps more…. both scholarships gave me networks for advice, support, and friends.”

Diana has big dreams to become an engineer. “After I graduate, I plan to start my career in Aerospace Engineering, and I am especially interested in the space industry, and working with spacecraft, satellites, etc. I have a passion for this area of work, and I cannot wait to learn more about it as I go through Uni!”

And to those facing roadblocks on the pathway to their dreams, Diana shares the following advice: “I have found that building a valuable support system is a really important part of taking the first steps towards your goals, and you would be surprised at how many people are willing to support you.”