STUDYING at the University of Tasmania has not only become a possibility, but also a reality for student Shannon Banks, thanks to a Forestry Tasmania bursary.
Shannon has just completed her first year of a business degree, majoring in tourism and marketing.
Her studies have been assisted by the FT bursary which provides support for young people from regional areas of Tasmania, who would otherwise have difficulty attending university.
The FT bursary not only provides financial support for students for the duration of their degree but also gives them the opportunity to undertake paid work experience and to receive mentoring and general support during their studies.
Shannon, who comes from Oatlands, said her parents were not well off but she had always wanted to go to university.
“My brother Matthew has a disability and a lot of my parents’ money goes to helping him,” she said.
“They can’t really work because they are full time carers for him.
“I thought I had better take it into my own hands and applied for the bursary.
“I’m still deciding what I eventually want to do, but it is likely to have something to do with tourism. I love Tasmania but I’m also really keen to travel and see different places and cultures.”
Shannon said the bursary had made attending university easier for her.
“It’s been really helpful and has enabled me to buy my books,” she said.
“I work part time three days a week and trying to juggle that with university study can be quite stressful. So the bursary has helped take the pressure off quite a bit.”
Branchline, December 23, 2009
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