The St Andrew’s Scholars Program seeks young people with the capacity and commitment to realise their potential to lead their College, university, nation and world. The scholarships offered as part of the Program provide full fee relief and are awarded for the entire duration of each student’s undergraduate degree. Successful applicants are exceptional young men and women who thrive academically, are engaged in life, and have the potential to make a significant positive contribution to College and, in the future, the wider community.
We welcomed three new St Andrew’s Scholars in our 2021 fresher cohort. Here, we introduce Jules Vahl:
What are you studying, and which university do you attend?
I’m studying a Bachelor of Arts and Laws at The University of Sydney, majoring in Latin.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Sydney, on the North Shore. I attended Sydney Grammar School between 2013 and 2020.
What made you choose St Andrew’s College?
I chose St Andrew’s College because it offered me a priceless opportunity: the opportunity to join a tight-knit community of outstanding young men and women who strive for excellence together. Without the generosity of St Andrew’s Scholars program, I wouldn’t have the great privilege of participating in the culture, history and ethos of the College. Thirty-five years ago, my father benefited from this same privilege. St Andrew’s plays a formative role in the lives of so many young people, generation after generation, and the success of Old Androvians indicates the success of this role.
What have been the highlights of your time here so far?
Welcome Week was perhaps the most intense period of socialising I have ever experienced. I have met so many new people and I look forward to getting to know them better as the year progresses. I have really enjoyed chatting with like-minded musician friends, and the communal atmosphere behind the sporting culture of the College is a joy to participate in. If I were to choose, I would say the formal dinners have been my favourite part of College life so far. There is something ethereal and spiritual about those ceremonies which is almost ineffable.
What are you looking forward to this year – how will you get involved within College?
I play the violin and sing, so I’m looking forward to joining the Choir and Chamber String Ensemble, as well as auditioning for the Palladian competition. I also love the discipline of writing; I’m keen to contribute to student blog Drew’s News and to enter the Principal’s essay writing competition. My passions, which range from classical music and classical languages to table tennis of all things, are quite niche, so I’m interested in using them to create more facets of College life. However, College is also an opportunity to broaden my interests and push myself beyond my comfort zone. I’ve never debated nor done formal public speaking, but within the accepting framework of the College I feel prepared to try these newer pursuits.
What does being a St Andrew’s Scholar mean to you?
Being a St Andrew’s Scholar is a reciprocal relationship between me and the College Council. The Council has placed their trust in me to make a substantial contribution to College life. In return, I receive an invaluable and precious experience. To me, being a St Andrew’s Scholar means trust, responsibility and privilege. The faith shown in me by the Council makes me proud to give my all to Andrew’s.
Below: 2021 St Andrew’s Scholars – Rosie Charge, Jules Vahl and Mari Watkins
Photo credit: Nina Fan (fr 2020)
