Starting university brought new opportunities for Arnold, but also new financial pressures. Between study costs, everyday expenses and the demands of a challenging degree, it wasn’t always easy to stay focused on his goals.
Arnold is now in his third year of a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Commerce double degree at the University of New South Wales. In his first year, he received a scholarship as part of the Youth Off The Streets National Scholarship Program – support he says was vital in helping him find stability in his home and university life.
At the time, his dad’s health issues meant Arnold had to take on more responsibilities at home. Combined with increasingly demanding coursework as part of his degree, he had to give up his tutoring job.
“The scholarship gave me the money to cover some of those costs,” says Arnold. “The support has meant so much to me and my family.”
The scholarship also helped Arnold purchase a new computer for his studies.
“My old one was really old and buggy,” says Arnold. “My new one works a lot better and makes it easier to do my work.”
The scholarship also helped cover some of the costs that can make university life easier to navigate. Arnold was able to pay for his driver’s license and invest in a gym membership to support his physical wellbeing.
“The money also helped so much with covering the costs of even travelling to uni,” says Arnold.
“There are so many smaller barriers to attending uni that the scholarship helped me overcome.”
Relieved of some of the financial pressures, Arnold was able to spend less time worrying about expenses and more time focusing on his studies, health and family.
Finding balance beyond the classroom
As part of the National Scholarship Program, recipients are matched with a mentor who can provide practical advice and support as they work towards their education and career goals.
For Arnold, that mentor was Damien. Through regular check-ins, Damien helped ease some of Arnold’s anxiety about the future, including concerns about the job market and housing affordability. Working in the business sector himself, Damien was also able to share insights about career pathways and what life after university can look like.
“Damien is so friendly and supportive,” says Arnold. “He suggested I not just focus on university but also university life.”
With the support of Youth Off The Streets’ National Scholarship Program, Arnold was able to thrive during his studies at the University of New South Wales.
Taking that advice on board, Arnold started a university club for students interested in collectibles, attended more campus events and later became a student ambassador – even meeting David Gonski as part of the role.
“The club is one of the things I’m most proud of this year,” says Arnold. “It was something I did on my own terms. I just had a thought to do it and did it that very night – it shows you can do a lot of things if you just try.”
Damien’s guidance also helped Arnold develop a healthier approach to managing study and life.
“I found it hard to keep track of lectures and coursework, but after I talked to Damien, I figured keeping a balance is also important,” says Arnold. “He helped me organise my priorities and clear my mind.”
Arnold was later able to share his own experience as a mentee with new National Scholarship Program mentors.
“It was great to pass on what had helped me so that mentors can be there for their mentees as well,” says Arnold.
Creating space to thrive
Looking ahead, Arnold hopes to secure an industry placement where he can put his studies into practice. He’s also focused on finding more balance in his day-to-day life.
“I’m just trying to keep my health up and fix my sleep schedule,” says Arnold. “Uni has taken a bit of a toll on both of those.”
Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, Arnold says the support extended well beyond financial assistance.
“The scholarship had a big impact on helping me adapt to university,” he says. “The financial support wasn’t just about paying for things – it helped me do better in my overall university life, gave me more mental clarity and helped me meet new people as well.”
With fewer financial pressures to manage, Arnold was able to dedicate more time to his studies, focus on his wellbeing and make the most of the opportunities available to him.
