Building a better future
Connor, a first-year student studying a combined Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce at the University’s Gosford Central campus, is determined to use his education to build a better future and improve financial literacy within his Central Coast community.
📷 Connor Thomson (middle) is pictured with generous donors, Emeritus Professor Gordon Boyce (left) and Evelyn Boyce (right), at the College of Human and Social Futures Scholars’ Ceremony.
“I grew up in government housing. We’d eat sausages for months at a time, eat Weet-Bix in the afternoons and couldn’t go on holidays,” Connor says.
Balancing his studies and a part-time job as a labourer in Sydney, Connor also cares for his mum who had her leg amputated and requires support with daily activities.
“Some days I’ve got to spend a few hours helping mum clean or taking her to appointments, and then still try to find time at the end of the day to approach uni with a clear mind.”
The Boyce Family Scholarship has enabled Connor to reduce his work hours and dedicate more time to his studies. Without the scholarship, Connor says reducing his work hours would not have been possible. He has used the extra time to attend classes, work on assignments, and support his family.
On Monday nights, Connor volunteers at Kibble Park to help provide meals for people experiencing homelessness, and he regularly donates blood. Determined to become a positive role model for others, Connor hopes to use his education to shape better financial outcomes for his community by running financial literacy workshops.
The generosity of Emeritus Professor Gordon Boyce and Evelyn Boyce in establishing this scholarship is supporting Connor’s ambition to share his knowledge with others.
“What I would like to do in the future is take the financial skills and education that I’ve received and be able to help the community.”
Knowing early on that life can be tough and it’s not always easy, but if you work hard, and you’re determined and push through, you will get to where you want to go.”
Connor Thomson
Boyce Family Scholarship Recipient
Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Commerce Student
Scholarships ensure students can thrive in education. If you are interested in establishing or supporting a scholarship, please contact our team on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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Contact
- Office of Philanthropy
- Phone: 02 4921 8612
- Email: donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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