Olivia Is A Tuckwell Scholar!

In just a few days, 2020 graduate, Olivia von Bertouch was due to fly to Canberra to start an exciting new chapter of her life. COVID restrictions may slow that down, but her adventure will be not be delayed for long.

Olivia has been awarded a Tuckwell Scholarship for study at the Australian National University. She was one of 25 young Australians to be awarded the scholarship and she was the only recipient from Western Australia. Olivia will be studying for a double degree: a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.

The Tuckwell Scholarship doesn’t just fund Olivia’s study and living expenses for the five years she is at ANU. It also gives her access to mentors, leadership development opportunities, health and wellbeing programs, and the support of the Tuckwell Scholars’ community.

Tuckwell scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership, and their commitment to Australia. This is assessed by an extensive application program. At the beginning of 2020, Olivia submitted a written application, references from a teacher and the College principal, and pre-recorded answers to interview questions. Upon being shortlisted, she then faced an eight-member panel in an online interview that lasted 70 minutes.

Of the interview, Olivia says, “It was challenging. They asked questions you could never prepare for as they wanted to see the way you process and apply information. They asked a lot of questions about politics, including Australia’s relationship with China and how I would respond if I was in the shoes of particular federal ministers.”

In Canberra, Olivia will be living in one of the student halls of residence. She hasn’t met any of the other students yet, but they have been interacting in online groups.

Olivia knows nobody in Canberra and understands it will be a challenge to adjust to a new city while studying. However, she says, “I’m looking forward to meeting a group of completely new people from a range of backgrounds. The ANU attracts students from all around Australia and overseas, and I look forward to being surrounded by and learning alongside them.”

We wish Olivia every success in her coming adventure.