Equity And Merit

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday June 29, 2004

Kassandra Hobbs, 18, has used a tertiary scholarship to make the most of her ability.

The University of Wollongong student was born with a mild form of spina bifida, a fault in the spinal column in which one or more vertebrae fail to form properly.

"I have spina bifida occulta, which gives me constant back pain. This makes it harder for me sitting in lectures and means that I take longer to study and do assignments," she said.

"At school (St Mary's Star of the Sea College) I was given a lot of support, such as provisions during exam time, and the university's disability services unit has also been a great help this year."

It was through this unit that the Russell Vale student discovered the Bev Lawson Memorial Scholarship, which is handed out annually by the House With No Steps Southern Region office.

The $1000 equity and merit scholarship was named after the late NSW police assistant commissioner Bev Lawson - a graduate and council member of the university, and the chair of the charity's regional board.

"With the money, I have been able to update my computer with programs that make it easier for me to study, and let me do my assignments a bit quicker," Ms Hobbs said.

"I've also been able to buy an ergonomic backpack as textbooks at university are extremely heavy."

The arts student hopes to complete a Diploma of in Education after her undergraduate degree.

A number of external organisations provide equity and merit scholarships each year, while the UOW awards 10 of its own annually.