Jade's story

I’ll carry my gratitude throughout my career

For those living in a major city, it can be easy to take for granted what’s on your doorstep, including the access to opportunities that surround you every day, such as the knowledge and support that comes from living close to your local university. But for those in regional, rural and remote areas, it’s a different story. They are, in fact, 40% less likely to pursue and participate in higher education than their urban peers.

But statistics alone don’t tell the whole story. What makes a regional student less likely to consider and attend university? There are many reasons, of course, but for students like Jade, without a well-trodden path ahead of her and few to help her navigate the system and how to afford student life in the city – her hopes seemed almost unattainable.

She remembers, ‘The course I wanted wasn’t offered closer to home, and as much as I loved Macquarie and knew I wanted to study here, I honestly didn’t think it was possible until I came across the scholarship – the costs associated with living in Sydney were just too high.

‘I knew that if I did study at Macquarie, there would be the pressure of relying on my parents for financial assistance and getting a job to help support myself. It was a conversation with my parents that never really made it past, “We’ll figure it out,” which I put down to them wanting to see me fulfil my dreams, no matter what it took.’

Jade says it also reflects the can-do attitude of country people like her and her parents, and their tenacity when faced with obstacles. As she explains,   ‘Living in a regional community, there are certain difficulties and disadvantages, and there’s a significant difference in the opportunities available to regional students.

‘But while we may be smaller in number than our city cousins and face complex challenges based on our postcode, in strength and determination, we are mighty,’ she says both brightly and with conviction. After all, overcoming the hurdles of getting into university and supporting your dream financially is only the start of the journey.

And that’s where Jade says the MQ Dunmore Lang College Rural and Regional Scholarship has been profound in its impact. ‘Receiving this four-year scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about working full-time to support myself. And, because I haven’t had that financial pressure, I’ve been able to engage with college and university life fully.

‘I’ve been able to continue my volunteer work, compete in Law Society Mooting Competitions – and win! – sit on student representative boards at college, become a residential advisor and support a new wave of students, attend national leadership forums in Canberra at Parliament House, make submissions to the NSW Treasurer on drug law reform and rehabilitation facilities in regional communities, and work at a top-tier law firm as a paralegal!’ she says, almost in one breath, and her energy for making the most of every opportunity is palpable.

‘Beyond that, I’m so grateful to have been able to live within a college community, which has become my family. Being surrounded by other regional students who know what it’s like to move away from home certainly helped with the transition of moving from the country, and the residential advisors have supported me throughout my studies while also reminding me to have fun every now and then.’

Jade says it’s also given her the base from which to establish herself personally, financially and professionally in the city. ‘I’m confident that none of the experiences I’ve had at university would have been possible without my scholarship, and I’ll carry that gratitude throughout my career as a constant reminder of the importance of giving – you never know whose life you can change!’

Passionate about forging the way for others like her, Jade is already working within her community to inspire and support other regional students with the same dreams she once had, bridging the gap between hoping for a higher education and achieving it.

‘I often see young people in my community defeated by their chances of going to university, particularly in places like Sydney. I know university can seem unattainable, but access to education should never be limited by your geographical, cultural or financial circumstances,’ she says with the same sense of justice that first attracted her to study law.

With her scholarship ending this year, and keen to return to the slower pace of the country for a while, Jade intends on completing her fifth year externally at home before undertaking her College of Law course and working for a few years as a junior solicitor under the tutelage of the principal solicitor she worked under before uni.

As she explains, ‘After working as a legal assistant in Dubbo during my gap year to save money and gain experience, I knew that one day I wanted to go back to my community as an accomplished solicitor – there’s such a great need for solicitors in regional and rural areas.

‘I’m excited to be closer to my family, continue to assist my community, and slow down for a few years! I owe a lot to the Dubbo community and those who helped kickstart my career – I want to give back while learning how to be a compassionate and capable lawyer from industry professionals who will guide me through the early years of my career.’

Even though the circle may be nearing its completion, there’s no doubt the generosity of her scholarship donors has had a lasting impact on Jade, her career, and how she sees the world. ‘I’ve often wondered over the years what I would say to the people who donated to my scholarship,’ she says thoughtfully.

‘And I’ve realised it’s hard to fully encapsulate the depth of my gratitude in words.
‘Quite simply, it has changed my life. The fact is, I wouldn’t be here at university in Sydney, studying my preferred degree, without a scholarship. It’s meant I’ve been able to take every opportunity that has come my way and make the most of everything that university offers.

‘It’s something I’ll always be grateful for, and when I have the financial capacity, I’d like to donate to scholarships too because I want to see that cycle perpetuate itself. One day, I hope to be able to provide what I’ve experienced for another student because I know firsthand how life-changing it can be.’