Studying remotely no barrier to Abir’s dream

In his first year of a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne, with a focus on genetics, Abir Srivastava should be residing at St Hilda’s College. Like students around the globe, he’s back home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Abir faces extra isolation, studying remotely in Alice Springs.

On receiving the Mary Vernon – CEF scholarship…

When asked for his first reaction on receiving the Mary Vernon – CEF Scholarship, Abir had a one-word answer; “Relief!”

“I just felt this huge relief that I had some financial support so I could go on and make the most of university and really focus on my studies.”

Indian-born Abir moved to Australia with his family at the age of two. And while his parents have always supported him in every way possible, the prospect of moving across the country to study and reside at The University of Melbourne was always going to be an expensive dream that would put considerable financial pressure on the family.

And so, it was cause for enormous relief and celebration when Abir discovered he would receive this generous grant of $21,000 (over three years).

In the words of Chris Tudor, CEF Central Australia, “Abir Srivastava is a talented, hardworking student with a true desire to make a difference in the community”.

Working hard is something Abir has proven to be particularly good at. Even before commencing his Bachelor of Science, he had accrued an impressive track record of academic excellence and community involvement.

Studying in the time of COVID-19

Abir was only just getting settled in Melbourne when COVID-19 hit.

In addition to college fees; he now had to buy flights home, part time jobs became suddenly impossible to secure and the expenses still rolled in.

“If I didn’t have the scholarship, I’d be so stressed about trying to get work and finding other ways to support myself so I am not fully relying on my parents and feeling guilty.”

“I had started looking for jobs pretty soon after I arrived in Melbourne, but around that time things started getting bad and nobody was hiring. Thanks to the scholarship, even if I didn’t get a job straight away, I could still focus on studying.”

Abir’s advice for students thinking about applying for a CEF scholarship?

When writing your application and in the interview Abir says; “You have to be honest about yourself and not sell yourself short.”

“It’s pretty natural not to want to talk yourself up too much but if you don’t include something on your form, then nobody will ever hear it. Give as much information as you can so people can understand where you are coming from.”

Abir also recommends doing your application with a friend or at least running it past someone who knows you well, “they can remind you of what you might have missed out about yourself.” As he says, a friend can point out any strengths or achievements that you might have forgotten or not thought relevant.

On the role of CEF in his community

CEF is all about the power that education has, to impact individuals, families and communities.

Abir is a strong believer of the ‘rising tides lift all boat’s’ theory. And his CEF and school community is living proof of that.

“The people you surround yourself with is your community. It can be your friendship group, your school peers and teachers or your neighbours. And when good things happen to people in your community, it rubs off on everyone.”

CEF provides far more than simply financial support. Abir explains, “I feel like I’m part of a real support network now and it means a lot. It is pretty important – especially in Alice Springs.”

“Being awarded this grant has absolutely changed how education will affect my life. Access to education is so important, and I really feel this especially with my Indian background.”

“I can’t speak for my family, but for me, I would like to come back to Alice Springs at some point and do some good work here because I owe it a lot.”