FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR A BUSY MUM
DESPITE COVID-19, Geelong mum Cecilia Sammut has been able to manage full-time study, exams and a four-yearold — all while working from home.
Now the 33-year-old is a scholarship recipient too, thanks to Ford Australia and the Deakin University Women in STEAM Scholarship.
The $12,500 scholarship aims to support local Geelong women studying science, technology, engineering, arts and math subjects.
“Getting a scholarship has always been a bit of a dream of mine, so to have that dream come true feels amazing,” Mrs Sammut said.
As a result of winning the award money, Mrs Sammut was able to move to a four-day work week during COVID-19, giving her more time to focus on her studies.
“The scholarship has meant a bit of financial freedom,” she said. “During what we’ve all been going through in recent times, just to feel that support has been priceless.”
After finishing school, Mrs Sammut studied multiple university courses before returning to study a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematical modelling, as a mature-aged student.
The Anglesea Football Club senior women's captain said going back to university was one of the best decisions she has made.
“For some reason I had this belief the only thing you could do with maths was be a teacher, but I didn’t want to be teacher,” she said.
“The reality is maths is so much more than that.”
Mrs Sammut, the third recipient of the Ford-funded scholarship, said the award “speaks volumes” towards the importance of inspiring women in the workforce.
“It’s nice to have these programs to reach for — it’s not just like-minded people saying we need more female scientists or engineer programs.”