International Scholarship Reception

Last night, I had the awesome opportunity to spend time with a group of fellow students from all over the world: India, Ghana, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Mexico, Sri Lanka, the Phillipines and China, to name a few. As recipients of the Macquarie University International Scholarship, we were all invited to attend a reception celebrating our achievements and acknowleding our benefactors. Out of the 300+ students that applied for the scholarship, only 34 of us were selected to receive the award.
It was absolutely inspiring to be among scholars from every corner of the world who were not only grateful for the opportunity to continue their studies, but also eager to use their successes to better their communities. One of the student speakers, a graduate student from Mexico, told of how he grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse which often had no door and was many times without blackboards or books. His parents were the teachers and their tireless work inspired him to pursue education as well. And his story was only one of many. In fact, one of the international scholars currently studying at the university is a refugee whose acceptance as  a scholarship recipient basically rescued him from life at a refugee camp.
More than anything, the reception made me realize again that education should never be taken for granted. So many times we see school simply as something to be endured when, for so much of the world, it is entirely inaccessible. I think it's important for all of us students to remember what a precious gift we've been given in being educated. I know that as I struggle through yet another reading or attempt to outline yet another essay, I will certainly strive to.

Here is a link to the article (with photo - I'm in the back row on the left!) from The Macquarie Globe about the reception.

Angelia Wibawa (she was also a student speaker) and I with one of the professors from the selection committee (he's one of the reasons we're here!)

With the Executive Director of International Programs