EMILY WOODING
Local Foundation:
CEF Orange & Districts
Institution:
University of Sydney
Studying:
Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Criminology), 1st year
Accommodation:
Wesley College
WHO IS EMILY?
Born and raised in Orange NSW with one younger brother, Emily’s mother and father run a small local building company. She says, “they are two of the most dedicated and hardworking people I know.”
These are traits they have without question passed along to Emily. At high school, she was the vice-captain and sat in the top three students for all her subjects. Emily’s commitment saw her achieve an ATAR that got her accepted to the University of Sydney – one of the most prestigious universities in the country. As a young indigenous woman, and the first in her family to attend university, Emily has what it takes to make her family even more proud.
Currently in her first year studying International Relations and Criminology, she is acutely aware of the wrongdoings and injustices in the world and the need for change. This is partly through hearing of her grandfather’s experiences with the stolen generation and the cycles of disadvantage in indigenous communities.
She is an amazing young woman, determined, committed and passionate about leaving her mark to make the world a better place.
My greatest motivation in life is to be a catalyst for change.
SCHOLARSHIPS – YAY OR NAY?
Absolutely!
She acknowledges the application process can be quite rigorous, but also says the process was definitely worth it.
I would strongly encourage any other student to apply for scholarships
Check out the CEF 2021 Scholarships Guide!
THE CEF FAMILY
Emily is a great example of a student who wants to show gratitude and give back to the community, and of the other opportunities that being involved with CEF can offer.
I strongly believe in the work of CEF as I have experienced first-hand the value they provide
Recently, thanks to a lengthy university break and returning home due to the pandemic, Emily volunteered with the CEF national office. She says she loved the experience and learnt new skills in data entry, website design and business social media; skills that she hopes will enable her to find a great part-time job on her return to the big smoke.
EMILY’S ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF RURAL AND REGIONAL STUDENTS?
Go for it! If you are passionate about something, absolutely pursue it. It may be scary to move away or leap into higher education, but once you do it, it is truly the greatest thing.
As well as encouraging other regional students to apply for assistance from CEF, she says staying connected with the CEF family is “super important, especially for students moving away from home.” She feels it is a great place to connect with people going through the same experiences.
She says it better than we ever could: “I would strongly suggest that other rural and regional school leavers continue to stay connected with the CEF family as it provides you with a sense of community and comfort.”
Best playlist for concentrating?
Baroque
Favourite place for coffee?
Benson’s Café in Orange
Last book you read?
The Diary of Anne Frank
Fantasy dinner party?
Amal Clooney, Malala Yousafazi, Beyonce, Jacinda Ardern and Michelle Obama
How would you spend your last $10?
Definitely on coffee!
