Sky's the limit with a scholarship

"The appreciation I feel is indescribable."

‘I had to get a relative to read the letter from Macquarie University offering me a scholarship as part of the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme to make sure it was real,’ remembers Ms Bruce, who was blown away by not only being accepted into her preferred course and university, but receiving financial support to do so.

‘Sydney wasn’t originally on my radar because it’s such a big city, and it meant I had to find somewhere to live. My parents were both supportive of me going to university but weren’t in a position to help me study away from home, which I understood. Still, the more I looked into the combined course at Macquarie, I knew it was what I really wanted to do.’

However, actually making it happen was one of those sliding-door moments. ‘It’s funny, in the Leaders and Achievers application, there was a button to be considered for a scholarship and I took a chance and decided to press it – I didn’t expect to receive one but spent a lot of time on my application and am so glad I did. If I hadn’t applied, I wouldn’t be where I am now – it’s opened so many doors for me. The appreciation I feel is indescribable.’

One of just ten students from the ACT and regional and remote NSW to receive a scholarship, Ms Bruce was selected due to her academic performance during Year 11 and her leadership and community engagement. ‘I was school captain and on the student leadership council,’ she explains, ‘and active in the performing arts. I was very committed to my studies; I always put in 100 per cent.’

Being given an unconditional offer took a lot of pressure off her final exams and gave her certainty about where she was heading, but there was still the issue of where she would live in Sydney. ‘There were times when I was very unsure about what the future would hold and how I would get there.

‘I remember struggling to find accommodation I could afford, and then my high school career advisor emailed me information on the Macquarie Advantage Accommodation Scholarship. I took another chance, applied, and was accepted into Robert Menzies College. My thinking is, if there’s the possibility of something good happening, I’ll do my best, shoot my shot and see what happens.

‘These scholarships have been one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I’m just so grateful to be able to study a degree I’m passionate about, and have the financial stress of living in Sydney and the associated costs like uni fees and textbooks alleviated. So many opportunities are available to me now – I didn’t realise how much I’d be missing out on.’

Living at college has been fundamental to Ms Bruce’s university experience. ‘It was a bit of a culture shock at first, being in Sydney and meeting so many people from so many different places, but the experiences and support I’ve received have been incredible. It’s very convenient, and I miss being at uni when I have to go home for the holidays! I’d like to become a residential advisor at the college next year to give back and help other people moving to the city like I did.’

The move has taught her a lot of new skills and responsibilities too. ‘I’ve become a lot more independent – there’s definitely been a lot of growth in that area!’ she laughs. ‘It has been very challenging at times, but I’ve been dedicated and motivated to push on through. If I have a goal, I try and aim for it no matter what – I try not to think about the worst-case scenario; I just try to be open and take it day by day.’

It’s an approach to life instilled in her by her family. ‘Watching my parents go through tough times has inspired me to be independent, but they’ve also shown a lot of determination – they push through and work full-time even though they’ve not been well; there have been lots of ups and downs,’ she says with both care and understanding.

In fact, her personal experience was the inspiration for her studies. ‘I’ve experienced neurological conditions my whole life, which has made me interested in the field as I try to understand why my body reacts in certain ways. It’s a bit of a family thing, actually – people close to me have also suffered from a range of neurological conditions, which can be very confusing. That’s why I want to study neurology, so I can help others – becoming a qualified neurologist is my number-one objective.’

And she’s well on her way. In her second year of a four-year combined degree, Ms Bruce says, ‘Medical Science gives you the practical experience, but you also get so much research experience. I’m considering looking into research at some point, perhaps as a research assistant while I complete my degree.

‘The Cognitive and Brain Sciences component is good too,’ she continues. ‘It looks at the technical and practical sides, so together, the degrees cover the entirety of neuroscience, which I wouldn’t get just doing one degree. It’s very comprehensive.’

She’s still working out what she’d like to do for her Professional and Community Engagement program (PACE) units, but is inspired by the placements other students have done and says she’s looking forward to them. ‘It’s very exciting, I love being here. The move to Macquarie has been the best decision I’ve ever made.’

So, what does the future hold for this young woman from Coffs? ‘I’d like to get into medicine at one point, but I’m still open to which path I’ll go down, whether it’s research or qualifying as a doctor. Studying at Macquarie has certainly solidified my future aspirations in neurology – the opportunities here are endless!

‘I’d like to do an exchange overseas as part of my degree, possibly in Europe, as Norway and the Netherlands are both well-known for their expertise in neuroscience – I’d love to go to Radboud University in the Netherlands,’ she says, and it’s clear she’s already seriously started investigating the possibility.

Considering studying on the other side of the world would have been hard to even imagine at one point for Ms Bruce, but characteristically, she’s taking it one step at a time. Still, as the first in her family to attend university, it’s no small achievement. ‘I always knew I wanted to go to university but didn’t seriously consider it until my senior years,’ she says.

‘I’m really glad I pursued it. It’s an honour to be able to study at Macquarie, and I hope my passion can inspire others. But I wouldn’t be here without my family – they’re very proud of how motivated I am, and how I took the initiative to move to Sydney to pursue further study, especially my grandparents, who have always been there for me.’

Indeed, it takes a village to achieve big dreams, and Ms Bruce says her high school teachers were instrumental in encouraging her. No less, those who kindly donated to make her journey possible are never far from her mind, and her gratitude is sincere and peppers her conversation often.

‘These scholarships have changed my life and given me an opportunity to study something I love that will mean I can have a positive impact on those with neurological problems. I’m beyond grateful to the donors who made this possible – the appreciation I feel is indescribable.’