BCI Student Awarded BayTrust Dillon Scholarship

A Tauranga woman who wants to install her art across Tauranga City is one of 25 Western Bay students to share $55,000 to complete tertiary study.
Bobbi Summers was awarded a BayTrust Dillon Scholarship, which is designed to support local students with significant disabilities to undertake tertiary qualifications.

The 32-year-old, who has fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, will soon start her second year studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries majoring in Visual Arts at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology. 

"Going for a short walk feels like I've run a marathon," Summers said. "My muscles cramp up really easily, and I can only walk a few stairs at a time."

But Summers' unrelenting positive attitude has helped her find ways to overcome her health difficulties and achieve an A+ grade for Visual Arts last year.

"I have found if I push myself carefully I can still do all the things I want to. It is all about staying positive and finding a reason to smile," Summers said.

This is the second year Summers has received a Dillon Scholarship. This year she will buy specialty safety gear so she can work with power tools because Toi Ohomai's own 3D workshop equipment puts too much pressure on her body and causes migraines. 

"It will also allow me to set up a small workshop at home so I don't have to bus to and from tech late at night or during weekends which is extremely tiring. It will make life so much easier."

Summers said her dream was to one day work on public art installations around Tauranga and embrace her passion for upcycling.

"I'm learning so many new things and this degree will give me so many options for a career going forward," she said.

The efforts of Summers and 24 fellow scholarship recipients were today celebrated at a special morning tea held by BayTrust in Tauranga.

Chairman of the BayTrust Dillon Scholarship committee Bill Cleghorn said 46 students across the wider Bay of Plenty will benefit this year, with just under $89,000 worth of scholarships awarded.

"Application numbers are similar to previous years which shows there's a continuing need," Cleghorn said.

"It's just mind-boggling what some people have to struggle with – and do so successfully in life. It's very inspiring. I don't know how some of them do it."

Cleghorn said the new Government's free first year of tertiary education policy had eased the financial burden on students significantly.

"But these particular applicants have extra financial needs like transport and aides to help them write notes and assignments which the average student wouldn't have to face," he said.

Since the inception of the Dillon Scholarship, $1.8 million worth of scholarships have been awarded to over 500 students with significant disabilities.

Applications for the Dillon Scholarship open each year on October 1 for the following academic year.
Bay of Plenty students who have a medically recognised significant disability can apply for up to $5000 per year for a maximum of four years. There is no age restriction.

Bobbi Summers is a 2nd year Bachelor of Creative Industries student studying at the Windermere Campus in Tauranga. Learn more about studying the Bachelor of Creative Industries with Toi Ohomai.

Photo Supplied: Bay of Plenty Times caught up with Bachelor of Creative Industries student, Bobbi Summers, after being awarded the BayTrust Dillon Scholarship.
 

Original Source: Bay of Plenty Times