Meet 2024 Andrew’s Scholar Atlanta Gervasoni.
Hailing from Pondicherry, India, Atlanta moved to Frankston, Victoria, at a young age. Her upbringing instilled in her a love for literature, philosophy, and politics, which has guided her academic pursuits in Law/Advanced Humanities (Western Civilisation) at Australian Catholic University.
Atlanta’s high school years at Mentone Girls’ Grammar School, where she attended on the 100% fee remission Aline Darke Scholarship, were marked by her passion for debating and her dedication to giving back to her community.
We caught up with Atlanta to find out more about her.
What are some of your hobbies, skills and achievements?
I’ve always had a passion for literature, philosophy and politics, for exploring the metaphysical and the grey areas between the binaries we create, which has undoubtedly informed my choice of degree. This has also manifested in my longstanding passion for debating which I have pursued throughout high school, competing in countless competitions at regional and state levels and later giving back as Debating Captain, and look forward to hopefully representing Drew’s in our Palladian competition later in the year.
I love immersing myself in different communities and cultures, which I’ve been lucky enough to explore through lots of travel in my younger years and engagement with my local communities back at home in Frankston. I also love music, playing piano and violin since 3, and enjoy using music to help my wider community, for example busking to raise funds for charities like the UNHCR and KIVA and organising concerts in local music homes, an initiative I plan to bring with me to the Drew’s community.
Beyond that I love all things beautiful and I’m a massive greenie, channelling this passion into my recycled and upcycled clothing business that I started during COVID, with over 1,000 sales from my online store.
What made you choose St Andrew’s College?
Drew’s appealed to me not only for its vehement pursual of excellence but for its unwavering commitment to give back, to help those with less opportunity to also be benefited. Students are endlessly supported in their pursuits small and large, with a close-knit community that together strives for the best in all aspects. Beyond this however Drew’s too has an incredible and genuine passion for helping their broader community, through generous scholarships and endless community service endeavours.
What does being a St Andrew’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a Drew’s scholar is an immense privilege and opportunity; the generosity of our benefactors continues to change the pathways of young people who otherwise might not have had access to the incredible thing that is a college experience. It is an opportunity to be a part of a community that you will take with you through your life, to live and learn and celebrate with your best friends on campus in the heart of Newtown. It’s also an opportunity to become a champion of this community, working to actively contribute to and improve it, which really comes as the easiest part.
How has your experience of university been impacted by this scholarship?
This scholarship has changed the trajectory of my life in more ways than I can know. It has enabled me to be a part of this incredible community midst an ever-alienating, large and often online university experience. I travel to university each day with a confidence that I am supported by my incredible group of peers and staff at Drew’s. Beyond this however, this generous scholarship has enabled me to pursue my dream course in my dream city, something I never would have imagined when seeing the Scholars’ Award online. It has opened a chapter of my life, which will undoubtedly be one of my best, that I otherwise simply wouldn’t have had access to.
What activities have you been involved with since moving to College?
I’ve enjoyed cheering on our Rawson and Rosebowl teams to multiple victories, and have been stunned at the talent amongst us in watching musical performances and oration in the Palladian competition. Drew’s also has endless opportunities (which I am keenly taking advantage of) from seminars on ethical leadership and community service to fortnightly “We Need to Talk,” where those invested in current affairs meet to discuss contentious topics. I’m especially looking forward to upcoming community service sessions with our partner Newtown Mission, where college students immerse themselves in giving back to our local community.
What has made you feel at home, here at Drew’s?
I’ve been warmly welcomed by everyone here at Drew’s, met with smiling faces at every turn, even while carrying my 25kg suitcases up three flights of stairs on the first day. The staff and older students have all worked tirelessly to make the transitioning experience as comfortable and welcoming as possible, and everyone at college is truly made to feel equal and included.
What has been your favourite memory at College so far?
It’s impossible to pinpoint a single moment or event that highlights college because, although the endless proliferation of fun and outrageous events that line our calendar are equally exciting, it is the moments in-between that can’t be specifically denominated. Painting each other shades of blue and white, brushing your teeth side by side every night with friends, sitting in the hallway chatting about nothing particularly important, all conglomerate to create what is so special and unique about college life.
Do you have any advice for students considering applying to Drew’s next year?
All I can say is to go for it! I can distinctly remember reading through past scholars’ articles in bed with my mum before my interview and giggling at the sheer impressiveness of these young people in comparison to ‘little old me.’ But, I can truly attest that the selection committee considers you for who you are, not only your achievements but your quirks and what you can uniquely bring to Drew’s.
Every decision we make sets us on the precipice of something new and exciting. And I can attest that it is better to take that jump (metaphorically, of course) than to live with the regret of letting apprehension stop you. I could never have imagined how much I would love college, and I am forever grateful I didn’t let the fear of that precipice deter me from seeing what was beyond it.
Our Andrew’s Scholars are provided full fee relief for the duration of their time at College, for a maximum of three years. Read more about another one of our 2024 Andrew’s Scholars: Nathan Sewart.