Tommy’s Story
My parents were born in Vietnam and migrated to Australia as refugees. Their English is limited. My father works in a factory, and my mother in a kitchen.
As a child, seeing my parents work so hard inspired me. I understood the sacrifices they were making to provide for our family, which drove me to work hard at school.
I have two older sisters – one is a Medical Registrar, and the other is studying dentistry. My sister’s journey in medicine inspired me to pursue a similar path and we often talked about how we could make my dream a reality. Attending St Peter’s College was a shared dream for my family. We had heard about the School’s incredible opportunities from relatives. My parents couldn’t afford the school fees, so my sister and I explored scholarship options online. That’s when we discovered the Doug Elix Scholarship and decided to apply, hoping for the best. I can still remember the moment I found out I had been awarded the scholarship. I was in the car with my mum and sister, when Mrs Bruce called with the news. My mum was so overjoyed that she cried tears of happiness.
Transitioning in Year 10 in 2020 was initially challenging, but I quickly made friends, and those friendships have lasted. The scale of the School was a little intimidating, but the staff and students were very welcoming.
I was quickly exposed to the immense volume of opportunities SPSC provides in academics, co-curricular activities, and socially. Year 10 camp is one of my fondest memories and where my friends and I created lasting memories we still talk about today.
I participated in Volleyball and Soccer and took part in many service learning opportunities, including Sony Camp where I cared for a guest who had cerebral palsy. It was an eye-opening experience in showing me the challenges he and his family face along with the positive impact I could make.
The scholarship transformed my academic life. The teachers are knowledgeable and supportive, and the students are motivated and push each other to excel. This supportive environment helped me achieve the marks to study medicine.
The scholarship also had a significant impact on my family. It provided financial relief, reducing the stress on my parents. Not having to worry about school fees made a big difference.
Academics aside, the most valuable opportunity the scholarship provided me was the chance to be part of such a diverse, tightknit community. I formed relationships the pre-Saints me would have never thought possible and I grew so much as an individual. I’m now studying medicine at the University of Adelaide. It’s a dream made possible by St Peter’s College and the kindness and generosity of Doug Elix AO (DAC 1966).
Sandro’s Story
I am an only child, and moved from the Philippines to Australia with my mother and father when I was 8 years old. Our extended family are still in the Philippines so at times it’s lonely, but it keeps us close-knit, just the three of us. My parents are wonderful role models who have shown me the value of hard work.
I attended Richmond Primary School then moved to Adelaide Botanic High School. My father, a varsity-level athlete, instilled in me a love of sports from an early age. In Year 7, I discovered my passion for Athletics and it was at this time I learnt about St Peter’s College.
My Athletics coach told me about the School and scholarship opportunities and encouraged me to apply. My parents were extremely proud and happy when they learnt of my successful application. At first I was a little hesitant to accept, knowing it would push me out of my comfort zone. But now, I can confidently say that accepting the scholarship was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Coming to St Peter’s College on a scholarship in 2023 has made me more appreciative and has broadened my horizons in many ways. I now feel anything I want to do is possible as long as I put my full effort into achieving it. I never thought I’d come to a school like this. The facilities we have access to are incredible, and I am determined to make the most of them. My favourite part of the school is the gym – I’m there every single day.
The athletic resources at the School, including excellent coaching and strength and conditioning programs, have significantly impacted my performance. I’m currently ranked number one in the state for U18 Triple Jump and number two for Long Jump. My ultimate sporting goal is to qualify for my first Athletics Australia team. I’m also focusing on securing a scholarship to a good division one college in America, such as Stanford or Harvard. My success hinges on my academic and athletic results so I’m working hard on both. Once accepted, I would like to study psychology or psychiatry.
I think the best thing about St Peter’s College is that it allows you to become who you want to be. It brings out your passions and it gives you a chance to try anything that you think you will be good at. If you’re good at it, the School encourages you to become even better and really brings out the best in you.
