Kathryn Yan - Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Although I am the first person in my family to attend university in Australia, my family has always prioritised education and academic excellence. Thus growing up, the University of Melbourne was always the goal, with not much consideration for a second option.
Tell us a little bit about yourself before you came to the University of Melbourne
At first, this was a goal set by my parents, but as I discovered my strengths and passions in high school it became mine too. Unlike those who might have chosen the Melbourne Model to further explore their choices, I had my mind set on majoring in English Literature at the University of Melbourne before I had even taken my first VCE exam! Being on campus for the University of Melbourne Extension Program gave me a real taste for university life, so I was thrilled when this eventually became my reality. My time at the university has allowed me to set my sights on future ambitions that I had never even thought to imagine before I started my degree.
How did the 110 Scholarship help you with your studies?
It may be taboo to admit it, but I do not think it’s uncommon amongst university students to live with chronic illness and mental health issues. This is definitely something I have struggled with for the whole of my university degree, and it is only with the support from those around me that I have managed to survive out of home while studying full-time. Just from my peers alone, I am aware that I am not unique in such a situation where factors outside of my control have affected my ability to study devotedly. The 110 Scholarship has enabled me to pursue further research in the form of an Honours year in addition to my undergraduate degree; the added safety of financial aid has been an enormous relief in an already stressful year!
What are your ambitions for the future?
At the tail end of a thesis, I find myself vacillating between taking time off to travel and relax (having never taken time off since... childcare!), and continuing my studies. One year and one thesis doesn’t seem enough to unpack all the things I’ve come across so far, and the experience of doing Honours has only made me want to learn more. Of course, financial considerations and student fees are at the forefront of my mind, especially given the possibility of further policy change. Despite this, I still have a strong will to pursue further research because I don’t want to believe that universities are just degree factories; if there is something worth discovering, then I hope the University of Melbourne might provide me with the means by which to discover it.
Kathryn received the Faculty of Arts 110 Scholarship in 2016. To help us support students like her you can donate to the scholarship online or contact Monica Hanns for a giving form at monica.hanns@unimelb.edu.au or +61 3 8344 2638.