Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program

Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar Program Speech

Hi, my name is Lucy Christou and I have just completed my VCE studies in 2023. I’m so honoured to have been a part of the Melbourne University Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholar Program and to have been chosen out of 1500 applications. This enrichment program takes in 200 students from across the state each year who are high-achievers and leaders in their school community. 

Professor Kwong Lee Dow is the former Melbourne University Vice-Chancellor, a distinguished education scholar, and an active contributor to curriculum reforms.

This 2-year program has enriched my life in more ways than one. It’s genuinely one of the most exciting things I have ever been a part of and I thank my English teacher Mietta Robertson and Coburg High School for giving me this outstanding opportunity. 

I have been fortunate to have had exceptional VCE teachers who have instilled in me the knowledge, power and work ethic I have today that has brought me to a major milestone in my life; completing my VCE. My time at Coburg High School together with the Melbourne University Scholars Program has enabled me to celebrate my hard work and has encouraged me to move into the world to achieve great things. 

In the 2 years of attending this program, I participated in numerous University events such as; mock lectures that contained the curriculum taught in the first year of degrees they have on offer, revision lectures that were tailored to my year 12 subjects led by expert lecturers in the biology and chemistry field, as well as engage in many community gatherings to meet like-minded young people from all across the state and form connections with them. Being a part of this Melbourne University program provided me access to a range of resources from libraries to chatting one-on-one with professors who are leaders in their field. This program allowed me to gain an understanding of what tertiary education and life is like.  

If you are a student who thinks outside the square, pushes the boundaries, has a high value for education, encourages and helps peers and not only is academically in the top 5% of your cohort but also exceptional in a sport and/or the arts, this program is for you. 

To the future students who are reading this, achievement is wonderful when you truly value education and know that learning never stops and to make the most of opportunities that come your way. 

Lucy Christou