Annika Smethurst

Former Girton Grammar School student Annika Smethurst, was "pretty ecstatic" when she found out she had received a scholarship, "I didn't expect to get it," says Annika, who was awarded both a Monash University Support Bursary and a Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship.

She has made the move from Bendigo to Melbourne and says she is enjoying uni life, "especially the mix of people and O'week activities," and also loves the tutorials and lectures. 

The scholarships will help towards living expenses, and she also hopes to be able to put some funds towards saving for the future. Annika says she likes the fact that Monash has such an international focus, and that the Caulfield campus is only a short train ride from her home in inner Melbourne. 

Annika is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism). She would like to complete her honours and is hoping for a career in TV or print journalism once she has concluded her studies. Her experience at Monash is enhanced by the many clubs she has joined including the Arts Club, JAM (Journalism Advertising and Marketing Club), and the Ski Club. She also enjoys playing football, netball and basketball in her spare time.