When Josh Creighton, a first year Bachelor of Indigenous Studies student at Southern Cross University, found out he had been awarded a three-year Summerland Credit Union scholarship, he was on cloud nine.

 “It was a gigantic shock - it’s not every day you get an offer of $15,000,” he said.

 Josh says it was particularly surprising considering his educational history - from regularly getting low grades in year 10 at Lismore’s Richmond River High School, to declaring in year 11 to his mum that he would achieve a UAI score of 95. He achieved 95.5.

 An assignment for English in high school sparked Josh’s interest in cross-cultural studies.

 Josh designed a multimedia CD-Rom for Indigenous students studying HSC Extension English, but he changed the syllabus to more culturally relevant text. “Instead of students studying Chaucer and Shakespeare, I wanted to make it more culturally specific,” he said.

 Josh, from Modanville, says the concept was controversial and is still being discussed at principals’ meetings. “It was like throwing a stone into a pond – I like to see the ripple effect. You need to challenge what is being taught.”

 He says he is proud to be involved with Southern Cross University’s Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. “This is the first time in my education where Indigenous perspectives are not only wanted, but held in high regard. And that is an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Josh deferred his studies in 2006 to write a crime fiction book, which he is now editing and looking to publish.

 “I’ve got another one in my head but currently I’m enjoying studying more and that’s what I want to focus on now. It’s very challenging and I can only say good things about Gnibi.” Josh says the Summerland Credit Union scholarship has been a real blessing.

 “I’ve never had that much money. To be able to buy books and fuel for my car is awesome. I can also pay back some of my HECS fees which is a huge advantage,” Josh said.

 “Summerland has really looked after me. And I’ll look after them too,” he said with a grin.

Here’s what one of our past recipients had to say about her Summerland Scholarship……

Dear Margot,

Just letting you know what has happened to me since I finished my teaching course and left uni last year. I am going on an adventure with my teaching career. I have been posted to Katherine School of the Air, NT. I flew into Darwin on Friday 19^th January 2007 and stared work on January 29^th. It’s certainly going to be an exciting life experience for me!

I really appreciate all the help Summerland Credit Union gave me during my course. It’s made a huge difference to my life.

Thank you

Samantha Newnham.