Beauty student Jess Pearce is grateful for a scholarship that helped her pay for her course. 32091Picture: Stewart Chambers
By Bridget Brady
JUST weeks from finishing a course in beauty therapy, Jess Pearce says she may never have applied for the diploma if not for a scholarship that eased financial pressure.
Ms Pearce, 19, studies a diploma of beauty therapy at Chisholm TAFE in Berwick.
She obtained a regional scholarship through the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation and receives $2000 off her fees.
A teacher at Ms Pearce’s school nominated her for the scholarship, which is open to high school students in five local schools.
Ms Pearce, who lives in Cranbourne, said the scholarship allowed her to start the course immediately after she finished school.
“I was thinking about the course but noticed how much it was and at the time I didn’t have much chance of paying for it by myself,” she said.
“I probably would have done the course eventually, but not straight after school without the help. Now I’m going to be a qualified beauty therapist before I’m 20.
“It costs about $10,000 so is one of the more expensive courses.”
Ms Pearce obtained a loan to pay her fees and said the scholarship had been very helpful.
The foundation offers grants to students who may be disadvantaged in relation to cultural background, health, housing or income. The foundation was inspired by the activism of Caroline Chisholm, who set up a female immigrant home to shelter hundreds of young women and help them settle in Australia during the 1800s.
“It has helped me out a lot and as part of the scholarship I have someone to talk to if I need help with anything so I know if I ever have any hassles there is someone there.
“I encourage others to make the most of it.”
Ms Pearce said her course was very hands-on and covered a range of topics such as make-up, skin care, cosmetic chemistry and massage.
She said part of the reason she enjoyed make-up was to help people enjoy special occasions.
“I like being able to do formals and concerts and helping people out … I learn a few tricks of the trade for myself.”
