Scholarship helps fuel university dream after early challenges

Growing up without parents and leaving school aged 14 did not stop Bunbury man Cody Beckwith pursuing his dreams of attending university.

Mr Beckwith is a fourth-year accounting student at Edith Cowan University South West and was awarded a scholarship worth US$3000 from BKR Accounting International.

BKR International is one of the top global accounting associations in the world and held a conference in Perth last month where Mr Beckwith was awarded the scholarship and had the opportunity to share his story with attendees.

He said the conference gave him the experience to see how the business world worked on a global scale.

“I have put the money towards a new computer, printer and got rid of my old wobbly desk,” he said.

“I grew up with my grandmother who was nearly disabled and coming from a low socio-economic background has been challenging but I haven’t let it stop me pursuing education.

“When I attended TAFE at 15 after dropping out of school I learnt the importance of education.”

Mr Beckwith said anyone who put in the effort and was self-motivated could achieve their goals.

Edith Cowan University South West dean Lyn Farrell said Mr Beckwith’s story was important because it let people know there were many paths to university.

She said ECU supported Mr Beckwith in attending the conference because he had added value to the regional campus.