Written by Anna Yuliana
Receiving the Qualification Pathways Program (QPP) Scholarship has been one of the most meaningful milestones in my professional journey. It was not a straightforward process, but it was a powerful reminder that perseverance, hope, and faith can open doors—even when the path feels uncertain.
The year the scholarship was announced, I was working in a small early learning centre. Naturally, my first step was to reach out to my centre to explore whether this opportunity could be supported. As a small service, they needed time to understand the process, particularly as the scholarship was initially distributed through only eight large organisations. Wanting to continue moving forward, I applied through one of those organisations, which initially shared that I could access a scholarship through their internal pathway.
However, circumstances changed after I joined them, and they decided to postpone their internal scholarship because government funding became available. I was encouraged to apply for the government-funded scholarship instead. This opportunity required collaboration with an employer, and at the time, my employer advised that I would need to wait until after my probation period and apply the following year.
Rather than giving up, I reached out to my previous employer, who was already in communication with the funding team. I decided to move back and wait for further guidance. During this transition, there was also a change in leadership. I shared my journey with the new director, who listened with empathy and took immediate steps to support me. She reached out to the funding team, and from that moment, the doors slowly began to open.
An interview was arranged. A decision was made. And finally, I received the news—I was awarded the QPP Scholarship.
The scholarship provides $35,000 to support my bachelor’s studies. It covers my placement and study time, provides assistance to address CALD-related barriers, and even includes a laptop to support my learning. The impact has been life-changing, not only financially, but emotionally and professionally.
What made this journey even more special is that one of my colleagues, who had already been accepted into university, was also encouraged by our director to apply. Today, both of us are working full-time, studying, and balancing our responsibilities as educators, mothers, wives, and committed professionals within our centre.
This experience has reinforced a powerful lesson: determination and opportunity rarely fail those who keep going. The journey may be challenging, and the timing may not always make sense, but if something is meant to be, it will find its way. Keep striving, stay hopeful, and never forget to pray and believe—because every step forward matters.
Click here to learn more about the QPP scholarship.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
