This year one of Bartercard’s six Scholarship winners Laura Bingham, originally from Firle, has balanced her first year of intensive study at Gold Coast’s Bond University with extra-curricular activities and part-time work, an opportunity made possible by her mother’s 15-year membership with Bartercard.
In January Laura Bingham started her three-year double degree in Journalism and International Studies at Bond University and says her experience so far at the University has exceeded her expectations.
“It’s been challenging, but rewarding juggling all the extra-curricular activities I’ve been involved with. I’ve joined the Journalism Students’ Association, the Drama Students’ Association and hope to be part of a musical next year. I was also doing a bit of part-time fundraising work on the side for the Universities’ Student Alumni Association,” Laura said.
“Bond provides students with ways to enjoy a good balance between their study, work and social lives, which is extremely important for me,” she said.
“I’ve been able to build a strong network of support with my faculty and friends and am thankful to my mother who put me forward for the scholarship in the first place.”
Bartercard member Julie-Anne Bingham put her daughter Laura forward for the Bartercard Scholarship because of her impressive academic track record at Marryatville High School.
“It’s been a real bonus for us. I know Laura wouldn’t have been in the position to go to a private university like Bond if it wasn’t for the scholarship backed by Bartercard,” Mrs Bingham said.
“It’s given Laura a great jump start for life. She is making some good contacts and the fabulous experience that goes along with such a prestigious name,” she said.
Bartercard Australia Managing Director Brian Hall says that the Bartercard Scholarships are a way to give back to the families of their loyal members and provides a valuable way for students to get ahead by leveraging their family’s business networks.
Bond University is also a Bartercard member and will be announcing this year’s Bartercard Scholarship winners in mid-November 2010.
Five criteria for the Bartercard Scholarship are 1) Students who are children of Bartercard members and/or their employees, Bartercard franchisees and/or employees, and/orBartercard Australia employees, 2) Students currently completing Year 12 at an Australian secondary school, 3) Strong academic performance with As/Bs or VHAs/HAs on Year 11-12 school reports, 4) Strong leadership skills, and 5) Extensive involvement in extra-curricular activities.
