By Jessica Borten
TWO Gold Coasters are among nine students from across Australia to be awarded coveted Vice Chancellor’s Elite Scholarships at Bond University.
Kyrra Wilks and Christopher Airey, both recent graduates of Coomera Anglican College, were awarded the fully-paid scholarships that recognise academic achievement, extra-curricular involvement and contribution to the wider community.
Ms Wilks will study biomedical science.
“Throughout my time at school and in extra-curricular activities such as volunteering in nursing homes and community centres, I realised the one thing I am most passionate about is helping people,” she said.
“After finishing my studies, I would like to find a medical specialty and am extremely interested in both patient care and contributing knowledge and research to the field.”
Mr Airey, who has always harboured a passion for maths and numbers, will study actuarial science.
“Like most people, when I first heard of an actuary and the actuarial science degree at Bond, I had no idea what they did or who employs an actuary,” Mr Airey said.
“After some research and speaking with Bond graduates about the job and degree, I found out that this really excites me and would be an interesting career.
“My ultimate goal is to have my own company that will provide the world with accurate and reliable data solutions and skills.”
The COVID-19 pandemic led to disrupted studies for 2020’s Year 12 students, and both Mr Airey and Ms Wilks planned to use the unconventional experience as a learning opportunity.
“(Last year) taught me to take every obstacle as an opportunity, which is an enduring benefit for my future studies and work,” Ms Wilks said.
Mr Airey said he learned how to find a pathway to success despite obstacles.
“It taught me to be resilient, persistent, determined and to ask for help when needed.
“I am now more willing to give things a go and not be afraid to try new and different things,” he said.