Garth Rafferty has come a long way since high school, where he was discouraged from even going on to Year 12.
Fortunately, he pressed on and not only finished with flying colours, but Garth gained entry into the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at Southern Cross University in Lismore, where he was recently awarded the 2014 Recognition of Academic Excellence commendation. The Recognition of Academic Excellence is awarded annually to students who achieve a GPA (grade point average) greater than 6 (higher than a Distinction average).
Garth Rafferty meets Southern Cross University Chancellor and CEF Chairman, Nick Burton Taylor AM
He hadn’t bargained on the high cost of text books, so a grant from the Hastings CEF (HEF) was very beneficial, helping with those expenses as well as a laptop computer.
“When young people start their life at university, it is easy to forget to factor in unexpected expenses such as text books and equipment. This can sometimes be quite difficult for struggling students to afford.” Garth said.
“My first year at university was very challenging. Handling the large workload has sometimes been stressful, but the assistance from HEF has taken off some of the pressure and motivated me because I know my community is behind me,” he said.
“It also makes you work harder, knowing people have confidence in you,” Garth said.
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