Helping our future leaders

Matthew Flinders Scholarship

Flinders University Master of Teaching student Kyriaki Tantalos is passionate about the role of teachers in the community and is looking forward to becoming a leader in education one day.

She says, ‘I believe teaching is extremely important as it is the profession that teaches all of the other professions.

‘I have always wanted to be a teacher and I look forward to making an impact on all of the students I have in my care. I want to make a difference – just like good teachers have made for me.’

An external student, Kyriaki has struggled to keep up with the technology needed to do her studies completely online.

When she reached a point where she was unable to afford to upgrade her failing computer and continue her online studies, Kyriaki sought financial help through the Matthew Flinders Scholarship at Flinders University.

‘Technology is an integral part of university life, so I am grateful the scholarship has enabled me to purchase a computer and I can continue writing my assignments. The support has made me feel even more motivated to continue in my degree.’

To everyone who has donated to the Matthew Flinders Scholarship, Kyriaki says, ‘I cannot thank the donors enough for this support.

‘It takes a special kind of person to donate their own money for the benefit of other people. I hope they realise how much each and every student appreciates the assistance.’

With renewed motivation, Kyriaki now plans to graduate in the middle of the year and go straight back to the classroom – working as a primary school teacher.

She also has her sights set on becoming a leader in education.

‘My ultimate goal would be to get a position in leadership in a school, as a wellbeing leader,
and eventually become a principal.’