mmg.com.au

Heathcote’s Tarlyn Grant’s is the proud recipient of a two-year scholarship from the Heathcote and District Community Bank Branch.

The scholarship is available to first-time tertiary students who face challenges in furthering their studies, which could mean a university degree is out of their reach.

Heathcote and District Community Bank Branch’s chairman Barry Cail said he was thrilled to offer Miss Grant the chance to further her education.

‘‘There are many students in our region that have big dreams for their careers but, for some of them, not having financial support may mean that this dream may not happen,’’ he said.

‘‘A community greatly benefits from a young person’s ability to further their education and perhaps one day return to their home town to live and work.

‘‘This scholarship program means young people have the chance to follow their dreams and the positive impact will be valuable for our community.’’

Miss Grant said the scholarship would help her achieve her goal of studying a Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

She wants to study psychology and criminology as well as incorporating history and classical studies.

Miss Grant already works part-time and the scholarship will allow her to devote more time to getting her degree.

‘‘I was not able to hear until the age of two and my early education was a challenge,’’ she said.

‘‘When I started primary school, the idea of even completing my VCE was a pipe-dream.

‘‘I now feel that with the support of my family and the correct interventions, anything is possible.’’

The university year began on Monday and Miss Grant was looking forward to it after meeting all her lecturers during orientation week.