By Daisy King – Long Tan Bursary Recipient 2023
Growing up Steve Irwin and David Attenborough were my heroes, I’ve always felt drawn to protecting our incredible planet and had dreamed of one day being a scientist of some type working within conservation. But never thought I was smart enough to achieve this goal. Now it’s becoming a reality and I’m achieving goals I once only hoped and dreamed of. I’m in my final 5 months of studying Environmental Science majoring in ecology and conservation, and soon I’ll be stepping into my career as an ecologist. Hope to working in conservation, doing what I truly love and making a real, positive impact in the world.
This journey has been difficult to say the least and wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of AVCAT and my sponsors through the Long Tan Bursary, I can’t thank you enough. I’m grateful that my grandfather and Veteran, Raymond Maclean encouraged me to apply for a scholarship through AVCAT and believed in me chasing my dream of studying. We have a very close relationship, and he’s always said to me, “at some point in life you need to work hard to achieve the life you want Tuppence, so head down tail up for a while and it’ll all be worth it” (Tuppence is the nickname he’s called me since I was a baby). I feel lucky to have a wonderful and supportive relationship with my grandfather and look up to him. He has achieved a lot in his many years and has instilled hard working and family values in me.
Living out of home while studying full-time is tough, especially when you’re trying to stay financially afloat in a cost-of-living crisis. The bursary has taken a huge weight off my shoulders and has helped me with affording rent, textbooks, transport, and all the everyday costs that come with university life. It’s allowed me to focus on my studies, take on valuable internships and volunteer work, and dedicate myself to achieving my degree, which is shaping my future.
I’m grateful that my grandfather and Veteran, Raymond Maclean encouraged me to apply for a scholarship through AVCAT and believed in me chasing my dream of studying.
As someone who’s neurodivergent and has overcome significant challenges growing up, this bursary has meant more than just financial relief, it’s been a foundation for my stability, self-belief, and growth.
Thanks to the amazing generosity of my sponsors and the support from AVCAT, I’ve been able to bring my dream career to life. More importantly, I’ve found the confidence to turn my passion into something real and believe in myself and my ability. I’ve proven that you really can do anything you put your mind to and work hard for.
I’m deeply grateful for your faith in students like me. Your support over the last 3 years has helped me turn my goals into reality and I hope to give back to the environment and the community in the same meaningful way you’ve given to me.