For University of Queensland Young Achiever Tayla Panting, starting university in 2012 would mean taking the first step to a career dedicated to helping others.
The Forest Lake High School graduate has set her sights on studying speech pathology after participating in the UQ Young Achievers Program during Years 11 and 12.
Ms Panting is one of 81 students from across Queensland making up the first cohort of graduating UQ Young Achievers.
The program helps raise the tertiary aspirations of deserving secondary school students who may not otherwise have considered university as an option.
Ms Panting said being a Young Achiever encouraged her to choose a degree that would enable her to give back to the community.
“Young Achievers has definitely changed me. I originally wanted to study law, but being in the program made me realise that I just want to help people,” she said.
“When I went to the UQ Open Day, I was introduced to speech pathology and ever since then, I’ve been intrigued in the profession.”
To celebrate the UQ Young Achievers’ completion of Year 12, events were held in regional towns in Queensland during October and November.
Ms Panting delivered a valedictory speech at the Ipswich welcome and celebration event on behalf of her fellow Year 12 Young Achievers.
Her advice to other students looking to pursue university study was to take advantage of every opportunity.
“It’s all about getting involved and exploring all the options. You can’t just sit there and wait for it to happen, you’ve got to get out there and be proactive,” Ms Panting said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Debbie Terry said for many of the students finishing high school, being able to attend university would mean they were fulfilling a lifelong dream.
“The students have worked extremely hard towards the goal of transitioning to tertiary education,” she said.
“We believe that the program has helped equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to make a smooth and successful transition, and to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Students in the Young Achievers Program come from a wide variety of backgrounds and regions including Ipswich, the Darling Downs and South West Queensland.
In addition, most of the students will be the first in their immediate family to study at university.
UQ has also welcomed a record 112 new Young Achievers for 2012 from 41 schools across Queensland.
Young Achievers receive $1000 annually to support them through Years 11 and 12, and those who transition to UQ receive a $6000 per year scholarship for up to four years.
They also receive practical support including career planning, advice on study options, mentoring by UQ students and on-campus experiences.
The focus of the Program is on nurturing and developing participants and building their educational ambitions by providing opportunities for social development, academic enrichment and personal growth.
The UQ Young Achievers Program was founded in 2009, and is generously supported by Andrew and Jennifer Brice.
Media: Caroline Bird (Office of Marketing and Communications; 07 3365 1931 or c.bird1@uq.edu.au)
