Tom's story
When Tom told his mum he’d received a Monash scholarship, she burst into tears.
Tom is the first in his family to study at university. When he told his mum he’d received a Monash scholarship, she burst into tears of gratitude.
Tom’s family heritage is Latjilatji, and he was raised in Apollo Bay on Gadubanud country. Most of his friends pursued trades, but Tom wanted to go to university. He’s the eldest of six children and money was tight, so he worked as a barista for a year to save enough to start studying a Bachelor of Business (Marketing).
Tom’s still working 30 hours a week to sustain himself, but the support he receives through his scholarship takes the sting out of rent and study expenses. He jokes, “I don’t have to eat dried noodles for every meal.” Tom may have a light hearted nature, but this also means he doesn’t have to choose between eating less or learning more.