Each year Griffith University offers more than 500 scholarships across a range of areas including academic excellence, music, sport andequityto name just a few.
Bachelor of Music student Jessica Goodrich had many interests at school but when it was time to go to university it was a choice between engineering and music.
Music won and the dedicated French Horn player hasn’t looked back.
“Ultimately, I chose music because I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to study something I loved,’’ the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship holder said.
Jessica started playing the French horn in year five.
“I really loved the look and the sound of the horn as soon as I saw it and put it down as my first preference.
“Then when we tried out all the instruments, I think I was one of the few kids who could make a sound on the horn. No-one else was particularly keen to play it so lucky for me the teachers allocated it to me.”
She said the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship has helped her more than she could have imagined.
“It means I don’t need to work as many hours part-time and have more time to focus on my studies.
“Also, with music there are so many extra things on offer like camps, concerts, lessons with visiting artists and instrument maintenance. This scholarship has allowed me to do all of these things without having to worry about what I can and can’t afford.”
Jessica is one of four Queensland Conservatorium French Horn students to attend the International Horn Symposium held by the International Horn Society in Los Angeles in August.
They will take part in the Horn quartet competition as well as attending concerts and masterclasses.
When she graduates Jessica hopes to continue on with postgraduate studies in Germany.
Aiming high
With a passion for social justice, first-year Bachelor of Business/Public Relations & Communication student Madison (Madi) Harding is already setting her sights high and wants to work for an organisation like UNICEF when she graduates.
The Griffith Business School Academic Excellence Scholarship recipient has always enjoyed being involved in community programs such as Roteract and helping others, and see the degree as a way of fulfilling her ambitions.
“I chose it because of its flexibility and I believe that combining a business major with communications is vital in a networked business economy,’’ she says.
Also a participant in Griffith Business School’s Student Outreach program while at high school, Madison said it gave her an insight into the study pathways on offer.
“As a student reporter in Year 12, I was able to write numerous stories regarding the business department as an expression of my interest in this area.
“To receive the scholarship has been rewarding in the sense of acknowledgement for my hard work to achieve at school, in addition to the financial support for my university studies.”
Madison encourages all students to apply for a scholarship.
“Initially, I had no idea of the diversity of scholarships on offer, so just apply and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve,’’ she said.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Martin Betts said scholarships enable everyone to take part in tertiary education irrespective of their personal circumstances.
“The University offers more than 500 scholarships each year. Applying is easy as there is only one form to complete and students may be eligible for more than one scholarship.
Semester 1 2016 scholarships open on 24July.