Current Scholar Profiles: Sam

My name is Sam and I'm a first year Mechanical Engineering Student and also a UNISS Scholar. I grew up on a small farm outside of Coonabarabran in north-western New South Wales. Ever since I was little I have had a passion for making things. Over time I have progressed from Play-Doh to Lego and then, when I was older, I started designing and constructing things in our shed. I have always enjoyed understanding how things work.

Living in a country town has made me aware of the great need for engineers throughout Australia. This is especially true in rural areas where issues facing society such as energy production, the water crisis, and environmental issues such as clean efficient cars are especially obvious. I see engineering as a chance to make a difference to the future and be part of the solution to fixing these major problems that we face in today's society.

The UNISS Scholarship is a great way to give the theory learnt at uni a practical relevance. It will provide a greater incentive to continue learning because I will see the usefulness of the subjects and also provide greater understanding because the things learned in the classroom will be reinforced. I expect the UNISS Scholarship will provide an advantage in future job prospects as I will make many contacts during my placement. I will also have gained much experience that will place me in good stead in employers' eyes.

The scholarship payments are also an obvious benefit that makes the expense of uni a little more affordable. The UNISS Scholarship is held in high esteem throughout the uni and the wider community and I feel very privileged to have been granted one.