Tidswell Family Women in Engineering Scholarship
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During the daunting process of choosing universities, I was sure of only one thing; I was aiming for Australia’s top engineering university. While I knew I wanted to be in an academically stimulating place, I also wanted to be in a multicultural environment. Having grown up in Singapore, Australia, India and Indonesia, it was imperative that the university I chose to spend the next four years at, would continue to stimulate my global awareness andÌýinternationalÌýexposure. Not only that, but as one of few young, driven women in a male-dominated field, I needed to know that I will be given equal opportunities and possibilities. When I read that 91´óÉñis aiming to reach 30% female enrolments by 2020, I instantly made up my mind to be a part of that percentage.
I had never considered engineering until I read about the course outline for Environmental Engineering at UNSW. Personally, I did not find traditionalÌýengineering streams offered elsewhere captivating enough, as I wanted to do something different. I did however know that I wanted to use all aspects of my schooling – a culmination of my scientific knowledge from physics, chemistry and biology with my sustainability knowledge from economics as well as my awareness of real time global issues from living in different countries, model united nations and years of debate on current affairs. My environmental engineering degree allows me to do precisely this. I made a firm decision within 2 days of reading the course outline and have not looked back!Ìý
My scholarship has not only allowed me to dedicate myself completely to my studies and the field I am so passionate about, but also given me the opportunity to stay on campus, and immerse myself into the heart of university life, an otherwise impossible circumstance. Within two weeks of starting university, I was elected as Social Director of my Residential College House Committee, and have since been keeping myself busy with my new role and my studies.Ìý
Being a part of the scholarship recipient cohort, has given me the ongoing privilege of regularly being invited for many events, seminars and talks and allowed me to expand my network and meet and learn from other talented and inspiring individuals, both students and industry professionals.
Divita's advice for future students:
Make yourself indispensable, and harness your own potential. Do not look outside for impressive essays and recommendations. I strongly believe we all have unique strengths that we need to tap into. When writing your application, think about what makes you, you. What is it that you as an individual can bring to the table? It may be a talent, an interest, it may simply be one quality or an enriching past experience. Think back to every achievement you’ve had. What got you there? What did you learn from it? These two questions are enough to write a scholarship winning application!