Harvey Norman Scholars

Introducing the 2015 Harvey Norman Scholars.

These 11 exceptional students proudly represent Western Sydney University, coming from different backgrounds, and cultures, of all ages. They are united in their success and hard work, goals for a better future and gritty determination.

Some are starting with the University after pursuing an alternative; others are close to starting their careers across diverse industries including nursing, teaching, social work, computer science and health.

For many, receiving an education will redefine the future for their families and for others, this will give them the launch pad to become leaders in their fields, applying their personal experience to address the challenges facing Australia. This group reflect the Western Sydney region and the student population  at the University -  of which 65% are the first in their family to attend university, 76% coming from Western Sydney and with over 170 nationalities represented.

Thank you to Harvey Norman for supporting this program of scholarships that will enrich the lives of our students.

For more information about supporting scholarships contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni on 9685 9511 or at giving@westernsydney.edu.au

Make a donation today by visiting our Give Now (opens in a new window) page. 

Western Sydney University staff can support scholarships by joining the staff giving program.

Arezo Masoomy 
B Med Sci (Adv)
Pemulwuy

A second year Medical Science student, Arezo is striving to complete her degree and move into Medicine to give back to her community. A carer for her two parents, Arezo came to Australia as a refugee and has excelled at university, driven by her friends and parents. Being awarded a Harvey Norman scholarship will help Arezo achieve her dream by allowing her to purchase past UMAT exam papers (test required for admission into medicine) as well as afford the costs of textbooks and tuition fees.

Amrita Tarr
B Arts
Windsor

Amrita has enjoyed a challenging but fantastic last few years of study. Surprising herself with her excellent results, despite health setbacks, Amrita put off university for over a decade after finishing high school. Listening to the Massey lectures on Radio National, she recognised how fascinating she found the content and enrolled in university. Aspiring to be an academic, Amrita finds that being a role model for her young son is her primary driver, wanting him to "go for it, whatever it is he dreams of doing". Amrita is interested in joining the peer mentoring program, PASS, to provide academic support for other students seeking assistance.

Jayda Tham 
B Midwifery
Petersham

A career change in her thirties to follow her passion for midwifery brought Jayda Tham to Western Sydney University.  She dreams of being an independently practicing midwife and using her skills to change the maternity system in Australia to offer women greater choice and continuity of care and help marginalised people. Facing the high costs of daycare for her young son, the Harvey Norman scholarship will provide some relief as well as reducing pressure on her family.

Kathryn Engledow  
B Social Work
Beverly Hills

Modest about her achievements, Kathryn Engledow is a single mother of four children keen to inspire other mothers to study and develop their careers. With a background in community services, Kathryn has used the University's flexibility to juggle her degree, be proactive and be an example for her children. Recognising the sacrifices she has made to be at university, Kathryn said "I'm ambitious and now see a future for myself that is separate from my children as they become more and more independent".

Christina Manawaiti  
B Arts (Pathway to Teach Secondary)
Hazelbrook

Drawing on the memories of the teachers that inspired her, Christina is looking forward to having a class of her own. Having just completed her first year of B Arts (Pathway to Teach Secondary), Christina is dedicated to completing her studies to the best of her (excellent) ability, feeling she needs to show herself to be above the others, as a mature aged student. Currently supporting her 16 year old daughter, the Harvey Norman scholarship will eliminate the need to work while studying and to ensure Christina can afford the day to day living expenses associated with university. 'This scholarship shows me I am doing the right thing and proves it's never too late to achieve your dream'  Christina has been invited to join The Academy, a unique leadership development program offering tailored academic units, workshops, projects and events for high potential students . She is also looking to join MATES, a program designed to ease new mature aged students into University life.

Maricel Romero  
B Crim & Comm Justice/B Social Work
Lakemba

Buoyed by her son's encouraging words and in her 50s, Maricel is raising the bar in 2015 and commencing her 5 year B Crim & Comm Justice/B Social Work after completing her Diploma in Counselling and Community Services at TAFE in 2014. Driven by a desire to look after her family, she says, "I'm the only one supporting my family. If I have a good job and a good education, I can give my children a good education". Maricel is also passionate about helping others and has a strong belief in equity, "I want fairness for everybody, and I think this degree is a way to achieve this. Words can't express how happy I am to be at university"  Maricel feels blessed to be at Western Sydney University, and commented that this opportunity would not be available to her  in the Philippines where she grew up and where her family remain.

Maria Kardasis 
BA/M Teaching
St Marys 

With extensive experience in the early childhood education field, Maria Kardasis is now keen to expand her repertoire and work with older children, saying this is something she always wanted to do. "I chose Western Sydney University because of its great name and because my children had a great experience", she said. Determined to further her knowledge, as a single mum Maria believed she had to start with TAFE to develop a foundation of formal knowledge. A dedicated community volunteer, she describes herself as resilient and says "everybody deserves an education. My scholarship will help with travel and books. I'm making sacrifices, but I won't give up". 

Alanna Audus  
B Social Work
Narwee

An overwhelmingly positive experience with a social worker at a young age set Alanna Audus onto a path towards a social work degree. Her passion has only grown as she has completed more of her degree, coupled with her volunteer work mentoring young women who have been released from custody. She says she is completing her degree "for me, for my son, and also for my commitment to social justice. I've come from a challenging position…and nothing is going to stop my determination until I graduate". Alanna's Harvey Norman scholarship will help offset the costs of study, allowing her to continue with her Honours. In her 3rd year of study, Alanna is so proud of what she has already achieved, 'I have worked so hard and now have the opportunity to do honours ..I didn't even finish my HSC. ' It will also allow her to purchase her textbooks instead of relying on availability at libraries, and help out with rent, electricity and food. "It will mean I can ensure I finished uni and achieve my dreams", she said.

Anthony Black
B Social Work
Redfern

Offered a second chance, Anthony Black has taken the opportunity and made up for lost time, achieving a distinction in his first subject. While previously able to complete one subject at a time due to tuition costs, the Harvey Norman scholarship will allow Anthony to accelerate his degree, and ultimately give back to the community. "2015 is a big year for me, I intend to do well but also not wait until I've finished by degree to make a difference, I want to start now", he said. He is also proud to be a Western Sydney University student and thanks the University for showing faith in him.

Amanda Burnet 
B Occupational Therapy
Emu Plains

Working closely with Occupational Therapists during therapy for her autistic son, Amanda saw the incredible impact her future profession could have on children. When her vet nursing career was no longer viable due to the extended hours required, she completed the STAT test to enrol at university. "The first time I looked at the test I cried, but having gone through all the issues with my son, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now I owe it to my family to show that whatever you go through, at the end of the day if you want to do it, you can". Committed to excelling at uni, Amanda's scholarship will help her afford to get to campus as well as reducing the pressure to work.

Kylie Ellwood 
B Psych
Strathfield

Kylie Ellwood is a young woman with unfettered ambition. Growing up in Penrith, Kylie was told she wouldn't achieve much.  As an adult, struggling with her upbringing, she decided to enrol in a Bachelor of Psychology at Western Sydney University to learn more about her background and the issues that affected her, and prove it to herself she could do it. She credits this as the "best decision she ever made" and hasn't looked back. Taking a non-traditional pathway to university via The College, Kylie was the first recipient of The College Medal and has been blitzing her university studies ever since, aiming to win the University Medal this year (awarded to students graduating with First Class Honours). On the difference the Harvey Norman scholarship would make, Kylie says "Without the additional support I would have to drop to part time. I'm looking into doing a PhD". Proud of her Western Sydney roots, she says "Western Sydney is my home, and I'd love to go and work with the people there.  When I  practice, I want to work with people from  lower socioeconomic backgrounds. I'd like to give kids the guidance I didn't get as a teenager". Kylie identifies as an Indigenous Maori.  She is a PASS facilitator, providing academic support for students seeking assistance.

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