Clem Jones and Geoff Wright Scholarship Winners
Nicholas Bond 2023
Q&A with Nicholas
(as appearing in GeoMessage September 2024)
What motivated you to apply for the Clem Jones and Geoff Wright Scholarship?
Throughout high school, students were encouraged to apply for scholarships because there is no harm in applying and there were many out there for all different categories of study.
How did you find out about the scholarship, and what was the application process like?
I found out about the Clem Jones and Geoff Wright scholarship on the UniSQ scholarships page. The application process was straight forward.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this scholarship?
I would say go for it! There is no harm in applying and it will certainly help you out and make life more flexible when studying.
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Spatial Science Technology/Surveying?
I started studying surveying because I enjoyed the fieldwork that I was doing as an assistant.
What has been the most rewarding or challenging aspect of your studies so far?
The most interesting aspect of my studies so far has been learning about least squares adjustments and the math behind how it works. It has so many applications and finding out how something works is always fascinating.
How has receiving the scholarship impacted your studies or career aspirations?
At the moment I do my studies through online university and at times it can become tiresome. The scholarship has kept me motivated throughout my studies as it is easy to lose motivation.
In what ways has the scholarship relieved financial pressures, allowing you to focus more on your education?
Without the scholarship I would have needed to work more, which would likely drag my degree out an extra year or two. The scholarship has given me the freedom to focus on my studies.
Caleb Sondergeld 2024
Q&A with Caleb
(As appearing in GeoMessage September 2024)
What motivated you to apply for the Clem Jones and Geoff Wright Scholarship?
I was motivated to apply for the Clem Jones and Geoff Wright Scholarship after attending the UniSQ Open Day, where a lecturer strongly encouraged me to apply. Their support, combined with my aspiration to excel in my chosen field, inspired me to take this opportunity.
What was the application process like?
I received emails about the scholarship from UniSQ which helped me find the scholarship page and explore my options further. The application process was simple and helpful in articulating my desire to become a qualified Surveyor.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this scholarship?
My advice to anyone considering applying for a scholarship is to go for it. You never know the outcome, and it's better to try your best than to be left wondering "what if?" A scholarship is not only financially beneficial but also opens doors to opportunities you might not have otherwise. Just a few weeks ago, thanks to my scholarship, I was able to attend GCA’s Queensland Geospatial Conference.
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Spatial Science Technology/Surveying?
I chose to pursue a career in Spatial Science/Surveying because of my previous work experience in Grade 12. I went to a surveying firm and enjoyed it thoroughly, which prompted me to pursue this passion further into university studies.
What has been the most rewarding or challenging aspect of your studies so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my studies so far has been seeing how the theoretical knowledge I’ve gained can be practically applied in the fields of Spatial Science and Surveying. The most challenging part is staying motivated when the practical application isn't immediately clear, but I know it will pay off in the future when this knowledge is put to use in the industry.
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How has receiving the scholarship impacted your studies or career aspirations?
Receiving this scholarship has positively impacted my studies by being an incentive and a practical way to help me prioritise my university work.
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In what ways has the scholarship relieved financial pressures, allowing you to focus more on your education?
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The scholarship has helped me place less priority on working to gain an income to support myself, allowing me to focus more on studying and investing in my future. It has provided me with new experiences and knowledge that can be practically applied in my field down the line.
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Special thanks to the Geomatic Council of Australia
for permission to republish this article.