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How Emma Spinks is realising her childhood dream
The Kambri Indigenous Undergraduate Scholarship is one of the most ambitious programs at ANU. Every year, it helps a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students study here. As well as covering accommodation, it can pay for study, living and travel expenses.
Overview
- Emma Spinks grew up in Tasmania and came to ANU on a Kambri Scholarship.
- Valued at up to $30,000, the Kambri Scholarship can cover many study expenses for Indigenous students, including accommodation, living expenses and travel home.
- Emma is inspired to "pay it forward" and make a difference in politics after her degree.
Emma Spinks came to ANU from Tasmania through the Kambri Scholarship, which has supported her throughout her studies.
“Finding out I had successfully applied for the Kambri Scholarship was incredibly gratifying. Without this level of assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to attend ANU or make the move to Canberra from Tasmania.”
Thanks to the scholarship, Emma has been able to “dedicate all to [her] studies,” without the stress of working. It also allowed her to live on campus at Kinloch Lodge, which she loves.
“I can wake up with only twenty minutes to get to a class and still make it with time to spare. Also, I had never met the people I live with, but they’ve become my biggest support system.”
Kambri scholar, Emma Spinks, came to ANU from Tasmania.
But the Kambri Scholarship goes beyond pure financial support, she says, when combined with the powerful support network that the Tjabal Centre provides Indigenous students. Here they can access academic, personal and career support and find a place to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
"The Kambri Scholars cohort is also the most supportive environment. These students, alongside staff members of the Tjabal Centre, were the first people I met at ANU."
The Kambri Scholars cohort is also the most supportive environment. These students, alongside staff members of the Tjabal Centre, were the first people I met at ANU – my first friends and first introduction to the University. I know I certainly would’ve struggled a lot more had it not been for the scholars’ orientation program.
Coming to ANU all the way from Tasmania is part of Emma’s path towards fulfilling a childhood dream of working in politics. She’s studying a Bachelor of Politics.
“On my first visit to Canberra, as a child, visiting Parliament House was one of the first instances which established my passion and desire to work in politics. Obviously, ANU is the ideal place to study such a field.”
Now that she’s moved and isn’t just visiting, Emma’s found more to love.
“What I enjoy most about Canberra is the balance between the city and nature. I love the proximity of the lake, mountains and bushland. Another highlight for me is the walkability of the city. It’s so nice to walk equal distances into the city or to campus and classes.”
Emma has found a good balance between study and more relaxing pursuits.
“For me, campus life looks like walking to class, grabbing a coffee with someone after, and then maybe heading to the lake for a walk or into the Canberra Centre to shop, then home to cook with my roommates and do a bit of study.”
“For me, campus life looks like walking to class, grabbing a coffee with someone after, and then maybe heading to the lake for a walk or into the Canberra Centre to shop, then home to cook with my roommates and do a bit of study.”
Now, as she continues with her studies, Emma is looking forward to getting involved with politics after her degree. That combines her childhood dream with her newfound inspiration to change the world.
“Mostly I feel inspired by other Kambri Scholars and staff at the Tjabal Centre, who endorse Aunty Anne’s motto of ‘paying it forward’ by reminding us that we can take the support we receive now and make something good from it to support a whole lot of other people in the future.”
If you're a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school-leaver who is considering studying at ANU, explore the Tjabal Centre and the support it offers you on our campus.
