Josh (he/him)

I am currently studying public health at the University of Western Australia (UWA), and I am in my second year. In addition to my core studies, I am also taking units in German and Spanish, as I believe learning languages helps me engage with diverse communities and broadens my global perspective. 

I chose to study public health because I am deeply passionate about addressing and researching issues such as poverty and homelessness, which stems from my own experiences with financial hardship. It is disheartening that Australia is such a wealthy country, yet rates of poverty especially child poverty continue to rise. Being able to contribute to efforts that counteract this trend is incredibly meaningful to me. 

After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue a Master of Public Health, and potentially a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Medicine. My goal is to combine research, policy, and practice to create sustainable solutions that improve health equity. 

One of my proudest moments so far has been receiving this scholarship. It feels like the culmination of the work and volunteering I have done throughout my life. I applied for this scholarship because I wanted to connect with people who share similar life experiences and who are committed to making a positive difference in the world. I am excited to learn from mentors, collaborate with fellow scholars, and contribute to the Pinnacle community as I grow into a capable and compassionate public health professional. It is truly wonderful that the scholarship provides funding towards educational costs, which seem to be increasing every year. This support covers essential expenses such as tuition fees and technology fees, and it significantly reduces financial stress that could otherwise interfere with my studies. That relief is incredibly valuable and allows me to focus more fully on my academic goals.