“That will be me.” That’s what Bachelor of Commerce student Natasha said to her mum last year when another student from her school was awarded a Ma & Morley Scholarship to the University of Newcastle.

Fast forward 12 months and Natasha was right. It was her this time. And her dream of receiving the very same scholarship came true.

“I was genuinely shocked. I remember last year when I saw somebody from my school receive the scholarship, and I said to my mama ‘that will be me’. Of course, I didn't think it would happen, as I thought of the scholarship as this prestigious, almost impossible scholarship to receive,” said Natasha.

“I think I cried for a whole 24 hours when I received the news at home. I called my partner, my mama and then the whole family called me after that, congratulating me. I don't think I believed what had happened, I was filled with gratefulness.”

Entering into the Bachelor of Commerce, Natasha has plans to transfer into law in the future which is fuelled by her passion for helping people.

“I'd love to be working in law, specifically dealing with social justice, as this is my passion,” said Natasha.

The Ma & Morley Scholarship Program is a transformative experience offered to students of the University of Newcastle who want to change the world. The program aims to inspire, educate and cultivate the next generation of globally aware and socially conscious leaders.

When talking about the scholarship and how it is enriching her study experience, Natasha speaks of developing her sense of self and building a community around her.

“It gives me a better understanding of how I can genuinely be the best version of myself. It has given me connections for life, that I know I will be able to rely on in the future. As well as my qualifications, it also provides me with the foundations of being a socially just, and aware individual.

“It entails an extensive range of education about the world we live in, how we can make the world a more sustainable, just, environment where equity and equality is prioritised. With the scholarship, you can meet so many people, from so many different backgrounds, and walks of life. It is truly eye opening for so many reasons,” Natasha added.

Summing up the feeling of being awarded the scholarship for Natasha is pretty simple.

“It is truly the most amazing opportunity I have been given,” she said.

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Natasha Elbeirouti

Dreams do come true, hear it first hand from Natasha.

It gives me a better understanding of how I can genuinely be the best version of myself.

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