"The scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and not have to worry financially,"

I began my degree in 2004, fresh out of school and not sure where I wanted to take my career. I had always considered further study at uni, and was excited to discover there was an Australian South Sea Islander Scholarship available.

With the support of the scholarship, I undertook my studies at James Cook University in Cairns. I finished in 2007 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Management and Human Resource Management. With my qualification, I was successful in gaining a position in the Queensland Health 2008 Human Resource Graduate program, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

So, four years down the track I have a degree, a career direction, and some great uni experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life. The scholarship was an enormous help, providing financial support and allowing me to focus on studying and learning. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity the Australian South Sea Islander Scholarship provided and to those who made that opportunity possible.

David Woodman