The Australian Catholic University nursing student often reflects on the saying as she thinks about her life to date.

“I wouldn’t be here today without the people who have helped me. I’m so grateful,” she said.

Miss Stanberg, 19, from Yarra, is particularly thankful to the Country Education Foundation of Goulburn which helped her in her studies.

The former Trinity Catholic College student tapped into the scholarship program after hearing about it from a friend. The financial assistance helped buy books, equipment and uniforms in her first year of studies.

“I don’t know how I would have attended university without that help. I had no idea how expensive university would be; it was a whole new ballgame,” she told The Post. 

She’ll be applying for a second round of assistance under the scheme. Applications are now open for the Foundation’s scholarship program, which helps Goulburn and district tertiary students, including those studying at TAFE, apprenticeship programs and job-related opportunities.

Chairman Guy Milson said the Foundation had helped 65 young people and provided $300,000 funding over the 15 years of its existence.

“We’ve seen some great success stories,” he said.

“It’s been cathartic in many areas where kids come in with no idea of what they want to do, decide on university or similar path and then just bloom.”

Each recipient has a mentor from the Foundation.

The scheme is dependent on donations and sponsorship, including an annual lunch and art exhibition held at Mr Milson’s ‘Cardross’ woolshed, on Goulburn’s outskirts.

Miss Stanberg spoke at this year’s function alongside journalist and ABC broadcaster, Richard Glover.

By all accounts she wowed the crowd with her story.

The teenager said she had wanted to be a nurse since Year 10 when she did work experience at Goulburn Base Hospital.

“The idea of caring for people appeals to me. I don’t think people are caring enough of each other and I like to make people smile,” she said.

“...I definitely think about coming back to Goulburn to work and giving back to the people who helped me.”

In between studying, she balances 18 hours of heptathlon training each week at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Miss Stanberg has placed third in the National Athletics Championships three years running. She’s aiming to compete again next year.

While juggling a full load, she utilises the Country University Centre at the Goulburn TAFE campus to link in with lectures remotely and to study.

“We’re so lucky to have it,” Miss Stanberg said.

“It saves me a lot of travel.”

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