Over recent months, dozens of St Mark’s students have been writing deeply moving letters of thanks for what they recognize as the life-changing opportunities they have been given through scholarships that support them to be at the College.
In many cases, students would otherwise not have been able to afford to be at university and college in Adelaide, and in all cases the relief of financial stress makes a great difference to their ability to focus on their studies and to take advantage of the other opportunities which College provides.
The letters of thanks pay inspiring testimony to the benefits that students see in being at St Mark’s, and reflect deep gratitude and, in many cases, a determination to provide similar opportunities for future students when they are able to do so.
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The extracts below are just a sample of the very many letters of thanks which students have been writing.
“I am beyond grateful… I am mostly self-funding myself for my college fees. The past year I have worked four different jobs to ensure that I have sufficient funds. Being offered this scholarship has helped ease stress around ensuring I have the sufficient funds for this year.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year UniSA student from the South East, SA
“College has been one of the most influential, life-changing experiences for me and I’m not sure where I’d be professionally, socially and academically today had I not come here back in 2019. Receiving scholarships has been the only way for me to continue living at college… I’m genuinely so thankful to have received this scholarship.” 2021 Margaret Beith Scholarship recipient, third year UniSA student from the Mid North, SA
“I would not be at St Mark’s if it weren’t for this. To me, this is perhaps the greatest opportunity of my life to date. With this scholarship and community with me, I believe I will become the best version of myself.” 2021 St Mark’s Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from outer suburban Adelaide
“I receive enormous support from the college community for my studies, which has permitted me to flourish in my degree. I hope that in the future I can give back to this college through scholarships like this, as without such support I would not be in the privileged position I am in living at St Mark’s. The scholarship has provided peace of mind for my parents too, who have struggled with some financial difficulties due to the pandemic which has affected the family business. Knowing that I am in safe hands at college and that the financial burden placed on myself is reduced has provided them some peace of mind.” 2021 Alfred Lendon Scholarship, Sholto Douglas Scholarship and Sodexo Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from Gippsland, VIC
“Although I am proud to say that I support myself financially to attend college, it was an enormous weight off my shoulders to receive this financial support. Thank you once again, for your financial support. These scholarships are more than just financial though, they are doors opened to opportunities.” 2021 Women of St Mark’s Scholarship and Margaret Tothill Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the Grampians, VIC
“While 2020 was a year that no one expected, looking back I do not wish I had my first year at St Marks any other way. I see all the new and strong friendships I have made, the opportunities and experiences I was able to partake in, and the bubble of safety and assurance that the College was able to provide me, both from staff and fellow students, in such a tumultuous year. College for me is not only academic accommodation, but a second home where I found myself part of a new family, with which I am eager to create many more new memories. Coming from a single parent household, any financial assistance we receive is truly appreciated and so helpful when returning for another year at St Mark’s. Between university fees, college fees, and all the other expenses that come naturally to living away from home, being a recipient of a scholarship like this one truly makes a difference and allows for the financial burden to be loosened, for which I am so grateful.” 2021 Harold Fisher Scholarship and Rural SA Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA
“Living at St Mark’s College has been the greatest decision that I have made in my life as it has been the catalyst in developing me into a man that I am proud to be today. I believe that the strong sense of community is what helps residents flourish here, and I am excited to be a part of this experience one further year.” 2021 St Mark’s Scholarship recipient and University of Adelaide student, Alice Springs, NT
“Both my parents are extremely hard working… life on the land has been very uncertain with the everchanging weather extremes, and in 2019 we lost a large portion of our crop, which also was one of our main sources of income. This scholarship has enabled me to lift some pressure off my parents…” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year University of Adelaide student from the Riverland, SA
“St Mark’s for me has been brilliant over the last 2 years. The support provided for my studies and in everyday life situations has been exceptional. As is the case for many, the pandemic that we are going through has had an enormous financial impact on me and my family. Dad’s business had to reduce working hours for all the people he employs, and Mum was put on Job Keeper. …this put my family in a fairly difficult position. In addition to earning money with a job, this scholarship will really assist me in paying for College in 2021. So once again, I appreciate this scholarship greatly.” 2021 St Mark’s Scholarship recipient, third year UniSA student from the Wimmera, VIC
“I still can’t imagine living anywhere else – St Mark’s has become my home and I love every aspect of this place. St Mark’s has given me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and try things I never would have imagined and make lifelong friends I never would have expected. The financial burden that has been eased due to receiving this scholarship is unimaginable. I have paid my entire college fees since commencing at St Mark’s… Having your support means the world to me.” 2021 RB & PE Lewis Scholarship recipient, University of Adelaide student from Loddon Mallee, VIC
“I am so grateful for your generosity and the opportunity to live at St Mark’s for another year. St Mark’s has truly become a home away from home for me, especially during such a stressful and unpredictable year. I am extremely appreciative to have received these scholarships for 2021. This not only lightens the financial burden on my family and me, but also enables me to dedicate more time towards my studies and ultimately achieve the best grades I can. I’d just like to add that I received a scholarship from you last year and because of this I was able to dedicate more of my time to my studies, which helped me achieve my goal of transferring into Medicine and I am now on track to reaching my dream of being a doctor – I will always be so grateful for your generosity.” 2021 Edward A Radcliff Scholarship and Sir Ronald Fisher Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from Loddon Mallee, VIC
“I cannot express my gratitude enough. St Mark’s College has rapidly become my home away from home. In the short time I have resided at College I can confidently say that I have made friends that will last a lifetime, and the closeness of the college community never ceases to amaze me. I am truly in awe of everyone’s kindness and continued dedication to our small community. I could not ask to be surrounded by a better group of people that genuinely make me want to improve myself.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA
“This scholarship will enable me to further my education and pursue my dream of being a rural GP. This is something I have wanted to do since I was in primary school, as I have seen the need for rural doctors in my own communities. This scholarship is a huge help for myself as I am paying for everything on my own. You have eased some of the financial burden off my shoulders and for that I am extremely grateful. Without your help I may not have been able to move to Adelaide to attend university. So once again thank you so much.” 2021 Lee Scholarship and Studd Bursary recipient, first year University of Adelaide student from the Riverland, SA
“It has always been my dream to become a paramedic, and now with this financial support I will be able to focus on my studies to reach my goal. I will never be able to fully express my gratitude. I will instead do my best to contribute to the St Mark’s community and always remember the help I was given in a tough time.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year Flinders University student from the Eyre Peninsula, SA
“College holds a very special place in my heart. That same unconditional acceptance that I know I experienced my entire childhood in my hometown is right here in North Adelaide as well. I would like to express how grateful I am. This scholarship not only aids my academic pursuits but it also eases the financial burden both myself and my parents share. Through your kindness, my family and I can worry a little less about the finances and focus a little more on university and college life.” 2021 Jeremy & Timothy Pascoe Scholarship recipient, fourth year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA
“To say that myself and my family are grateful for this scholarship is an understatement. My gap year job in hospitality was largely affected by COVID-19, which resulted in me earning less money than I had aimed for, to cover University and educational expenses. The consolation this scholarship has brought for both myself and my parents has meant that I can move to Adelaide with less financial anxiety. I will forever be grateful to be a part of the St Mark’s community. I feel extremely lucky and humbled to have been one of the students selected for a scholarship and will always be thankful to be a part of a college which exhibits such generosity.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year UniSA student from the Riverland, SA
“I am extremely grateful to have once again benefited from the legacy and generosity of Margaret and Harry Scott. Residing at St Mark’s has been exceedingly beneficial to me socially, mentally (especially during the Coronavirus pandemic) and, most importantly, academically. The supportive community environment that the college delivers, along with being surrounded by study focused peers, continues to motivate and inspire my own learning, without which I would not be thriving. Receiving the Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship in 2021 will allow me to spend more time furthering my studies. The reduction of financial stress this scholarship will afford me is greatly appreciated.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the South East, SA
“Coming from regional South Australia, moving to the city is extremely daunting, however, College provides a safe environment with ample support available. This provides me with great peace of mind as moving out from home is such a big step in my life. Receiving this scholarship not only enables me to attend college, it reduces the financial stress on my dad who also supports my other two siblings. These funds will allow me to concentrate on my studies without having to commit to full time employment to support myself.” 2021 Margaret and Harry Scott Trust Scholarship recipient, first year University of Adelaide student from the Riverland, SA
“Thank you for your generous donation towards my scholarship this year. Being at college for the past two years has meant so much to me and has played a major part in my academic success at university. It has been an amazing place to grow as a person and meet people who can support me and my goals.” 2021 Programmed Maintenance Services Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from the Mid North, SA
“St Mark’s is my home, and I know it sounds cliché but that’s what it has been for the past two years for me, and I doubt I would be in my dream degree and have such an amazing friendship group and support without St Mark’s. The help of these scholarships has allowed me to continue my study here, and I look forward to what the future holds. Thank you very much again.” 2021 Sodexo Scholarship recipient, third year University of Adelaide student from Geelong, VIC
“One day I hope to work in the Royal Flying Doctor Service, servicing rural and remote Australia, bringing additional peri-natal care and awareness to the ‘bush’. St Mark’s College has provided a studious and enjoyable environment which has enabled me to foster my academic endeavours, as well as make life-long friendships… I speak on behalf of my parents in saying, as a family, we are very grateful for the financial support you have provided. I promise to work hard and honour the financial support I have been provided and eventually provide the same level of support to fellow students commencing their time at St Mark’s College, aiding them in achieving their goals and dreams as you have helped me.” 2021 St Mark’s College Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student from the Barossa Valley, SA
“… at St Mark’s I have genuinely found a second family.” 2021 St Mark’s College Scholarship recipient, second year University of Adelaide student, Singapore
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