Giving
We sat down with a small group of our most recent scholarship recipients and spoke to them about their scholarship experience. These students come from different cultures and backgrounds, but their responses were all so similar.
Here’s what they had to say.
Lachlan Ison (702), Arthur Marshall Scholarship Winner
What makes going to school at Wesley special?
The opportunities which are offered to all students at Wesley make it special, whether it is academic or leadership. Everyone has an opportunity to learn and experience new things. The community feel is also special here. Everyone feels as if they belong. Also, the teachers. From my experience they’ve all been invested in me and want to help me. They don’t just want to teach me the curriculum and that is it. It’s about me and how I’m going.
What three words come to your mind when you think about Wesley?
Opportunity, community and I know it’s not a word, but the College’s motto, By daring & by doing.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won a scholarship?
I was really excited that I’d actually done it, but I was also appreciative and grateful that I’d received a scholarship and also honoured that I’d received the Arthur Marshall Scholarship and that I get to uphold his name.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
To me it means that I have to set a good example for my peers and become a role model.
What was it like meeting the Marshall family?
It was amazing; an experience that I will never forget. They told me a lot about Arthur Marshall and it made me feel connected to the scholarship and them as a family. I really want to make them proud and do well.
Cyril Jones (701), Indigenous Scholarship
What makes going to school at Wesley special?
The teachers who push you to the best of your ability and you can really trust them. They really have your back.
What three words come to your mind when you think about Wesley?
Brotherhood, challenging and fun.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won a scholarship?
I was really proud and my whole family was so proud of me. To be the first in our family to get to a school like Wesley, I was really stoked.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
I feel really proud to be a role model to other Indigenous boys, showing them that they can go to a school like Wesley and get a really good education. It’s really good to be able to share my culture with the community, being proud and being able to dance.
Jimmy Timcke (804), General Excellence Scholarship
What makes going to school at Wesley special?
The community—because you’re with the same group of people for an extended period of time you are always so close to everyone and get to know people really well. I also love all of the opportunities that we’re given. The new Mildred Manning Science Centre and Language Centre are great spaces to learn in; the Trenaman Library is also cool.
What three words come to your mind when you think about Wesley?
Integrity: being yourself and knowing who you are as a person. Community: everyone knows everyone and there is always a familiar face to turn to. Mateship: knowing that there is always someone to listen to you and you can listen to them.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won a scholarship?
It put a skip in my step knowing that I’d achieved something quite special. It was a nice feeling.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
It is special and not something that I take lightly as a person. It also means respecting others, holding myself accountable for my actions, taking control and being independent.
Nathan Duke-Yonge (803), George Ferguson Scholarship
What makes going to school at Wesley special?
I think Wesley is really special because it has an all-rounded approach. I really enjoy the well-roundedness of the school and getting to give lots of things a go, especially Katitjin.
What three words come to your mind when you think about Wesley?
Amazing, opportunities and fun.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won a scholarship?
It felt amazing. I really wanted that to help out my Mum financially.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
It means that I’m a role model and a representative for the school. It’s a really good way to get involved in all the activities I do, such as debating, World Scholars Cup and da Vinci Decathlon.
Matthew Tang (702), Council Music Scholarship
What makes going to school at Wesley special?
The community feeling is really great, I have lots of friends and everyone knows each other.
What three words come to your mind when you think about Wesley?
Community, special and striving.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won a scholarship?
I felt really accomplished, and I felt that I could achieve at Wesley.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
It means a lot to me as without this scholarship I wouldn’t be able to go to Wesley and now being at Wesley, I really enjoy it. There are heaps of opportunities; the people are nice and it’s a great feeling here at Wesley.
What does music mean to you?
Music is a way of expressing yourself. When you’re happy you can show it through music. Music is a great thing to enjoy!
Pratyush Goel (802), Arthur Moore Scholarship
What makes going to school at Wesley special?
The sense of community is really good and the friendships here. Also, the opportunities that Wesley provides are really good too.
What three words come to your mind when you think about Wesley?
Opportunity, the facilities and community.
How did you feel when you heard that you had won a scholarship?
I was shocked as there were so many people going for scholarships with limited places. I was sort of wondering ‘am I going to get it?’ I was very nervous. I was also happy and proud of myself.
What does it mean to you to be a scholarship recipient?
I feel as if I need to be performing to a high standard and engage in all the co-curricular opportunities that are on offer here.