When Reagan was about to start an exciting new chapter at the University of Melbourne, he was also dealing with grief and uncertainty in his life.
But through support from the Melbourne Access Scholarship – funded by generous donors to the University of Melbourne – Reagan had the breathing space to adjust to university and succeed in his studies.
“I don't think anyone should be deprived of an education or the ability to achieve just based on where they come from or their family circumstance,” said Reagan.
While Reagan’s parents were always encouraging of his ambition to attend university, they couldn’t always provide him with guidance.
“I didn't really have anyone to talk to about academics in my immediate family,” shared Reagan,
“Neither of my parents finished high school, but my mum always says that if she could go back, she definitely would.”
It wasn’t just the fact that Reagan would be the first in his family to attend university that impacted his studies. He was also managing the stress of a cancer diagnosis in the family.
“Dad was diagnosed with brain cancer in the later half of 2016, so through that backend of high school, he was quite sick,” said Reagan.
A couple of years into his treatment, as Reagan was beginning year 12, his dad took a turn for the worse and went into palliative care.
“There were times where I really struggled,” shared Reagan, “I was in and out of hospitals most nights, just seeing him as much as possible.”
Managing loss and change
Sadly, Reagan’s dad passed away during his final school year, and while he was coming to terms with his loss, he was also transitioning into a new environment at the University of Melbourne.
The loss of Reagan’s dad combined with the fact that he came from underrepresented high school meant that he felt underprepared for the challenges of university.
“I wasn't studying as hard as I could in my first year,” said Reagan.
Thankfully, he received support through the Melbourne Access Scholarship that helped him find his footing at the University and turn a new corner in his second year.
“The scholarship made university a lot more comfortable for me, as someone who'd never been in that environment or didn't really know what to expect,” said Reagan.
“Supporting my transport to university definitely helped out quite a bit, and it was also great being able to purchase the materials and make sure that I was comfortable in not having to work more than full-time just to pay for living expenses.”
Not needing to work long hours outside of study also meant that Reagan could focus on creating balance in his life.
“It meant I didn’t have to miss a night of tennis, which was my outlet,” explained Reagan, “I think that’s important for everyone who's involved in something that's quite mentally taxing.”
The support also helped Reagan develop critical study habits that helped him gain confidence in himself after struggling through his first year.
“I was set on making sure I did the optional readings so I was across every little piece of information that the professors might use in the exams,” he said.
Reagan was granted entry to his Bachelor of Commerce degree through the University’s Access Melbourne scheme, which takes students’ personal circumstances into consideration as part of their application.
Through Access Melbourne, students are automatically considered for the Melbourne Access Scholarship – awarding students up to $7,500 each year over their three-year study period.
“The fact that those who are in need of the funds are considered without having to apply and wonder who they’re competing with, or wonder whether they deserve it, or if there’s someone who needs it more – I think it's absolutely great,” said Reagan.
“Going through university without support definitely would've hindered my ability to perform at and get the learning and the grades that I wanted.”
Planning for the future
In 2021, Reagan completed his Bachelor of Commerce and landed an internship in the same year.
“One of the guys that I sat next to and became friends with on my first day of uni, we actually ended up at the same firm as graduates,” shared Reagan.
Now, he works at one of the big four accounting firms as a consultant.
“The technical information that I learned in my course is definitely applicable, but it's more the skills that you learn throughout the degree that help me the most – like problem solving and finding information for yourself,” said Reagan.
This time, when Reagan found himself in a new environment, he felt prepared to take on all the challenges that came his way.
“You're given a lot of responsibility at quite a young age, coming straight out of your degree,” said Reagan.
“I wouldn't say you’re left to your own devices, but there's a lot that you have to figure out for yourself as you're going along.”
Not only is Reagan succeeding in his current role, but he is also excitedly planning for the future of his career, too.
“I've just completed the CFA level one exam and am in the process of completing level two, so fingers crossed I passed that!” said Reagan.
After working through the three CFA levels, Reagan also has plans to complete his MBA.
The power of education
As part of Reagan’s final year of studies, he took part in a pen pal program with a student from a disadvantaged area.
Reflecting on his own difficulties, it reminded Reagan how easy it is to take education for granted.
“That was really eye-opening to me,” said Reagan.
“There is a lot of value in education that people who have always had it might not see sometimes.”
Reagan expressed his gratitude to the donors that helped him persevere through a difficult time in his life, complete his studies, and open doors to a brighter future.
“I'm definitely in a much better position now, having gone to university and receiving the Melbourne Access Scholarship, than I would've been otherwise.”
Learn more about how you can help open doors for students facing disadvantage.