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EMILY WOODING

Local Foundation:
CEF Orange & Districts

Institution:
University of Sydney

Studying:
Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Criminology), 1st year

Accommodation:
Wesley College

WHO IS EMILY?

Born and raised in Orange NSW with one younger brother, Emily’s mother and father run a small local building company. She says, “they are two of the most dedicated and hardworking people I know.”

These are traits they have without question passed along to Emily. At high school, she was the vice-captain and sat in the top three students for all her subjects. Emily’s commitment saw her achieve an ATAR that got her accepted to the University of Sydney – one of the most prestigious universities in the country. As a young indigenous woman, and the first in her family to attend university, Emily has what it takes to make her family even more proud.

Currently in her first year studying International Relations and Criminology, she is acutely aware of the wrongdoings and injustices in the world and the need for change. This is partly through hearing of her grandfather’s experiences with the stolen generation and the cycles of disadvantage in indigenous communities.

She is an amazing young woman, determined, committed and passionate about leaving her mark to make the world a better place.

My greatest motivation in life is to be a catalyst for change.

SCHOLARSHIPS – YAY OR NAY?

Absolutely!

Knowing the pressure that attending university in the city would put on her family, Emily searched and applied for almost every scholarship available during the end of her year 12 studies.

She acknowledges the application process can be quite rigorous, but also says the process was definitely worth it.

As a result, she is currently supported by Wesley College for her accommodation and through CEF she has received a grant from the local Orange & District foundation and a University of Sydney Scholarship thanks to their partnership with the CEF national office.
I would strongly encourage any other student to apply for scholarships

Check out the CEF 2021 Scholarships Guide!

THE CEF FAMILY

Emily is a great example of a student who wants to show gratitude and give back to the community, and of the other opportunities that being involved with CEF can offer.

I strongly believe in the work of CEF as I have experienced first-hand the value they provide

Recently, thanks to a lengthy university break and returning home due to the pandemic, Emily volunteered with the CEF national office. She says she loved the experience and learnt new skills in data entry, website design and business social media; skills that she hopes will enable her to find a great part-time job on her return to the big smoke.

EMILY’S ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF RURAL AND REGIONAL STUDENTS?

Go for it! If you are passionate about something, absolutely pursue it. It may be scary to move away or leap into higher education, but once you do it, it is truly the greatest thing.

As well as encouraging other regional students to apply for assistance from CEF, she says staying connected with the CEF family is “super important, especially for students moving away from home.” She feels it is a great place to connect with people going through the same experiences.

She says it better than we ever could: “I would strongly suggest that other rural and regional school leavers continue to stay connected with the CEF family as it provides you with a sense of community and comfort.”

FUN SPEED ROUND WITH EMILY:

Best playlist for concentrating?
Baroque

Favourite place for coffee?
Benson’s Café in Orange

Last book you read?
The Diary of Anne Frank

Fantasy dinner party?
Amal Clooney, Malala Yousafazi, Beyonce, Jacinda Ardern and Michelle Obama

How would you spend your last $10?
Definitely on coffee!

Nicole

Author Nicole

CEF Engagement & Development

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