Scholarship recognises next generation of leaders

Two ANU students have been awarded residential scholarships at Burgmann College in recognition of their academic results, character and commitment to a better future for Australia.

Angelina Inthavong, studying a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Harrison Oates, completing both a Bachelor of Advanced Computing and a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, received Charles Hawker Scholarships at a ceremony held at Burgmann College last month.

For Angelina, the Scholarship has been life changing.

“Coming from a single-income household the only way I could attend my dream university was through significant financial assistance,” Angelina says.

The residential scholarship is worth up to $60,000, enabling the students to live on campus and fully immerse themselves in university life – an opportunity Angelina and Harrison have grabbed with both hands.

“The scholarship enables me to take opportunities as they come, and without it I couldn't do anywhere near as many interesting things,” Harrison says.

“So far this year, I've been involved in a study into youth voice and political participation with UNICEF Australia, been appointed to the Federal Government's eSafety Youth Advisory Council and have been working with Meta and Project Rockit on how emerging technologies such as the metaverse can be safe and inclusive for all users.

“I'm also the Competition Specialist at ANU Solar Racing, where we're preparing to race a solar powered car from Darwin to Adelaide in the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.”

Angelina is working on exciting projects of her own.

“I've been elected first-year rep for the ANUSA BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Department, Diversity Chair of Burgmann College and have continued to advocate for greater intersectional diversity with different National Youth Advisory Groups and forums,” Angelina says.

“I have also been busy trying to expand my non-profit program Crafts and Convos which provides a safe place for non-male identifying participants to instigate discussions on stigmatised topics such as mental health, menstrual health, and sexual education.”

The Charles Hawker Scholarship was established in 1990 by Mrs Lilias Needhman in memory of her brother. The scholarship is a tribute to Charles Hawker's achievements as one of Australia's pastoral pioneers, and provides students of today with the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.

Angelina hopes to pursue a career in health and policymaking with a focus on addressing inequalities.

“Growing up, I struggled a lot with my identity as an Asian-Australian,” she says.

“Australia is a diverse nation, but these diverse perspectives are not being represented in media, politics, or decision making.

“The insights of young diverse Australians are more crucial than ever to inform intersectional policymaking that actually addresses the needs of the diverse nation we live in.”

Harrison says he sees many potential pathways in his future, with the intersection of technology and society sparking particular interest.

“The ethics of artificial intelligence, how we can tackle online disinformation, how to balance privacy and security, and the increasingly blurred lines between the physical world and cyberspace,” Harrison says.

“I hope to use my double degree to help build a digital future that is more just.”

Applications for 2023 Charles Hawker Scholarship will open on 5 December 2022. Learn more