David Edwards

Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation.

I became aware of The Pinnacle foundation through my work at The Court Hotel. I helped organise a couple of fundraisers with Choon Tan, a member of the Western Australia State Committee. I quickly became very interested in The Pinnacle Foundation and the support that they had been giving to the LGBTIQ+ community. I began asking questions as I had been wanting to go to university for a few years but always felt unsure if I could do it and never had any financial support to do so. I had already been accepted into three courses but turned them all down because I was afraid and didn’t think I would be able to complete them. After speaking to Choon, I discovered that I was eligible for a Pinnacle scholarship, so I decided to apply in 2019. I was shocked and extremely grateful to be accepted, it was the launch pad I needed to get into studying.

What have you gained from being part of the Pinnacle program so far?

I never would have been able to study or had the courage to even try without The Pinnacle Foundation. I have gained the confidence to start learning and enter a place completely outside of my comfort zone. I have learnt so much about myself and I feel like my life has a range of different pathways then before. I do not feel stuck anymore and I am so grateful and lucky to have The Pinnacle Foundation by my side.

What has your experience with your mentor been like?

My mentor Jamie is incredible. Jamie quickly learnt about how I function and understands the areas where I need support. He isn’t overbearing but asks the correct questions and pushes me where I need it. I know that if I need help Jamie is just a phone call away which is exactly what I have need to get through this journey. I feel like I’m part of a team and a family which is not what I was expecting but I am so lucky to have.

What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about applying for The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship Program?

DO IT! The Pinnacle Foundation is full of incredible, supportive and smart people, they will treat you with nothing but respect and there is no need to be afraid. Writing an application for a scholarship is scary, especially if you have never written formally before but don’t let this stop you. The Foundation aren’t looking for an essay, they just want to know the facts and how they can help you. This is an experience you don’t want to miss out on and only good can come from it.