CEF Griffith law student, Pria Cerato, second from left, receiving her Dunmore Lang College - Country Education Foundation scholarship earlier this year.
For CEF Griffith law student, Pria Cerato, her Dunmore Lang College - CEF provided her the opportunity to relocate to Sydney to follow her dreams of becoming a lawyer.
During her gap year in 2023, she worked at Noyce Salmon & D'Aquino Solicitors, a local law firm in her hometown of Griffith, NSW, as a Junior Law Clerk and Receptionist, where she developed a passion for justice and a desire to study law.
She set herself a goal of completing a Bachelor of Laws, to one day return to the firm as a qualified solicitor to help fill a skills shortage of legal professionals in regional NSW where, according to the Law Society of NSW 2023 Annual Profile of Solicitors, just 11% work.
Pria Cerato receives her local grant from CEF Griffith earlier this year. This made her eligible for the DLC - CEF scholarship.
Like most regional students, the reality of relocating to Sydney to study, coupled with the expense of the numerous law textbooks, was going to be challenging for Pria.
Knowing that moving would also separate her from family and a support network in Griffith, she looked to her local CEF foundation.
After being awarded a local grant, she was selected to receive the Dunmore Lang College (DLC) – CEF Scholarship,which funds half of her accommodation fees for this year, making her move to Sydney possible.
She has now completed her first semester in her studies of a Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University, while happily residing at Dunmore Lang College. Pria thanked CEF and DLC for making it possible.
It's been a massive help, and I don't think I'd be here without it. The cost-of-living is high and for rural students, universities aren't in their backyards," she said.
– 2024 DLC – CEF scholarship recipient, Pria Cerato.
She has followed in her father's and sister's footsteps, with both having lived at DLC and studied at Macquarie University before her.
She said while relocating to a college in Sydney is expensive, DLC had great value for money in the additional benefits it provided.
"You can see where the money goes. Everything is done for you, including meals, and you have RA's that take you under their wing. It stands out because of its culture. It's a great environment and highly inclusive," she said.
DLC Dean of Students, Emily Sutton, said the college prides itself on being dedicated to students from the regions.
"Dunmore Lang College proudly provides over $600,000 a year in collaboration with partners such as Macquarie University towards scholarships and bursaries for our students," she said.
"We recognise the significant impact moving away from home has for students both emotionally and financially. If we are able to take away some of the financial burden, we know there will be strong academic success for the students."
