Meet our STAR alumna!
Katharine is a multiple scholarship recipient and a member of our board sub-committee, The Scholarship Team for Advice and Review (STAR).
Following a double major in Media and Communications and Politics and International Studies, Katharine completed a Master of International Relations at the University of Melbourne.
“I am now in a position where I can combine my passion for politics and communications.”
She joined the Western Chances STAR team in late 2019 and has found the experience incredibly rewarding. STAR is a group of scholarship recipients and alumni that share advice and make recommendations to the Western Chances staff and Board, helping us remain relevant to young people.
“Being involved in STAR has built on the connection that I have with Western Chances; I like to see it as an extended family!”
“Each member of STAR has their own unique academic experience and employment, bringing a fresh perspective. It is the combination of our ideas and seeing them develop into something tangible that makes me feel most productive.”
She’s a proud westie and loves our close-knit community.
“We have a melting pot of cultures and a diverse, passionate community. It is the passion of residents and the pride we share calling the west our home that seeps through our daily lives.”
Her most treasured Western Chances memory was attending the Trinity College Young Leader’s program, where she was mentored by existing university students, attended workshops and practiced her public speaking and leadership skills.
“We were fortunate to tour the Parliament of Victoria and try our hand at some circus acrobatics. At times we were pushed outside of our comfort zone to become the best versions of ourselves.”
“Being able to reside on campus during the program also influenced my university selection and academic pathway. Seeing first-hand what life at a tertiary institution could be was exciting but also daunting to think about when in VCE.”
Katharine describes her connection with Western Chances as an opportunity that opened doors for her.
“Becoming a recipient meant that I could arrive on time to school as I could top up my Myki – something that made a big difference. It also alleviated the financial pressure on my parents.”
“Most importantly I had a network, that I could reach out at any time for support. The team encouraged my success, and gave me encouragement to say yes to opportunities I previously wouldn’t have had the self-confidence to take up. It was empowering and enabled me to have the means and resources to achieve my goals.”
If she could share advice to another young person experiencing barriers to fulfilling their dreams, she’d encourage them to never be afraid to ask questions or say yes to opportunities.
“Any setback is temporary so don’t be afraid to restart, ask for help when you need it and take small steps as you work towards your goal.”
Katharine has big dreams for her future:
“I’m proud to be a part of STAR as everything at Western Chances comes full circle: once a scholarship recipient; now an alumni and donor. My ideal future includes incorporating this model into my personal and professional life, being able to share my lived experience with young people to help them overcome adversity and flourish.”