By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Twenty remarkable students at Federation University have been presented with scholarships at a ceremony in Berwick on 5 May.
The scholarships included elite athlete, industry placement, Year 12 and economic hardship categories.
Tylah Meunier, a particularly driven Victorian Institute of Sport cyclist living in Pakenham, was among the recipients.
He is devoting himself to up to seven days a week of training, including at the institute at Albert Park as well as the hills behind Pakenham.
The wildlife veterinarian science student is driven to go that bit faster with every training session.
In the past year, he has put on more than 10 kilograms of muscle. You have to be a “big, strong unit” for track cycling, he says.
Somehow in his busy schedule, he is studying as well as working two jobs.
“If I did sport all day I’d be sick of it. It’s good to be mentally challenging myself.
“You’ve just got love what you’re doing.”.
Ebony-Rose Nudelman, of Hastings, also received a scholarship as she starts her youth-work diploma.
She is inspired to help others following the noble example of her mother, who single-handedly worked several jobs, raised three kids and volunteers at the local community house.
“She always made sure she was there for us.
“She never gave up.”
Ms Nudelman herself volunteers up to three days a week at the community house and was recently installed as vice-president.
“I want to go out there and help people.
“What they do (at the community house) is amazing. I’d love them to get more recognition, they don’t get enough funding but they help so many people.”
