First published 20 September 2023
QUT's Student with Potential (SWP) Awards, known for recognising and nurturing the potential of high school students, continue to make waves as the program recently celebrated a record-breaking number of recipients.
This year's event was particularly special as it featured Jackie Guevarra, a former SWP award recipient who has come full circle as a current QUT student ambassador studying a Bachelor of Justice and Bachelor of Law double degree, while inspiring a new generation of high school students to reach for the stars.
Jackie shared her personal journey and emphasised the significance of the SWP Award stating, "When I realised I had received the SWP Award because my teachers believed in me, that motivated me to learn and excel in all of my studies. Year 10 was literally the best time ever, where I achieved my highest grades, because I was so highly motivated by their belief in me. I also realised I should go after what I want to do and so I landed on a law degree, with the assistance of the awards benefits – like Studiosity, which really helped me with high school.”
One of Jackie's proudest moments was at this year’s awards when she celebrated her sister Jashmine who is in Year 10 and following in Jackie’s footsteps as an SWP award recipient. Jackie shared her excitement saying, "I was so proud of her. I could see the smile she had, and I could see the change in her motivation as we were both studying. Honestly, there's no other word, but, proud. It's like a full-circle moment for our family."
The event, held at QUT Kelvin Grove on Sunday July 30th, brought together over 850 SWP award recipients and their families. The program has grown significantly since its inception in 2008, with more than 8000 awards distributed to date. The awards aim to encourage capable students to pursue post-school education, debunking common myths surrounding affordability, achievement, and aspiration.
The SWP Award, in addition to the recognition and encouragement it provides, includes a certificate, study support hours with Studiosity, a QTAC voucher, and a $100 gift voucher. Recipients are also acknowledged during school assemblies, helping to inspire other students within their communities.
Leanne Harvey, Vice-President (Administration) and University Registrar, congratulated this year's award recipients and their proud families, highlighting the significance of the awards in fostering a culture of academic ambition as well as the powerful role that parents and families play in cultivating aspiration and belief in higher education. Paul Fenton, Director of Equity (Student Services and Wellbeing), echoed this sentiment, emphasising the program's role in breaking down barriers to higher education.
As Jackie continues to thrive as a QUT student ambassador, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of the SWP Award. Through her inspiring story and commitment to giving back to community, Jackie embodies the essence of the program—unlocking the potential within each student and empowering them to pursue their dreams in higher education. For sibling Jashmine and countless others like her, the path to success is illuminated by the trailblazing footsteps of her inspiring older sibling.
Photo at top: From left to right, Mel (mother), Jackie (QUT student ambassador), Jashmine (SWP recipient & sibling of Jackie), Leanne Harvey (Vice-President (Administration) and University Registrar) at the recent QUT Student with Potential Awards event.
