By Engelbert SchmidL
THE MOVE from high school to university can be daunting for students.
Deer Park resident Thanh Thi Tran had the chance last Thursday to sample university life when she was selected to be part of the Kwong Lee Dow young scholars program at the University of Melbourne.
Seven hundred of Victoria’s most talented secondary students, including Braybrook Secondary College student Thanh, converged on the university’s Carlton campus to get a closer look at their possible reward for a gruelling VCE year.
“I was very excited, it was an amazing opportunity. My school co-ordinator asked me if I wanted to apply for the program and I said why not,” the 17-year-old maths and science student said.
She said the day allowed her to meet students from around the state and get an idea of what life on a university campus might be like next year.
Even though she was doing maths and science subjects in year 12, Thanh was keen on possibly pursuing a law degree.
She said VCE “had been a great year” so far, mainly because of fantastic support from her family, as well as staff and fellow students at Braybrook.
A highlight for the aspiring scholar was hearing philosopher and author Raimond Gaita, whose book Romulus My Father was made into a feature film recently, deliver the keynote address for the day.
The vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Glyn Davis, said the objective of the young scholars program was to help motivate bright students from every Victorian secondary school – including those who may not have considered going to university – to get their very best year 12 results.
“We hope that the opportunities they will enjoy as part of the university community will lead to success in their VCE and the tertiary study of their choice,” he said.
Under the program, the young scholars interact with the university and each other through tailored programs.
This year’s program introduced students to the university community through a welcome from key staff followed by lectures, interactive workshops and panel discussions with world-renowned researchers and teachers.
The Kwong Lee Dow young scholars will have access to benefits that include commonwealth supported place (CSP) enrolments in new generation degrees, $2500 relocation allowances, $2500 study abroad scholarships and a leadership program.
Scholars are selected by a committee of academics on the basis of school nominations under the following criteria: students to be in the top 5 per cent of their year level in academic performance; to demonstrate leadership potential; and to display active citizenship and community involvement.
The program is named in honour of the eminent scholar, leading educationalist and former vice-chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Kwong Lee Dow, who welcomed the scholars with Professor Davis.
