Bachelor of Arts student Chelsey and her twin sister, Madison, hail from a tiny town in central Gippsland. The sisters moved to Ormond College together at the start of 2023 after drawing up a detailed master plan to convince their parents.

Chelsey had lived in Toongabbie for her entire life before coming to Ormond. ‘Going to live in a university college was a deep, harboured dream of mine throughout high school, but I also thought it probably wasn’t attainable,’ she says.

In Year 12, Chelsey and her sister attended the University of Melbourne Open Day and took a tour of Ormond College. ‘During the tour, some staff members told me about scholarships,’ Chelsey says. ‘My sister and I went home and we started this big plan to try to get to Ormond. We were very determined to make it happen.’

The first big challenge, Chelsey says, was convincing their parents. ‘We were the first in our family to go off  to university. My parents didn’t really know about residential colleges and, even with financial assistance, it’s still a lot of money. But Madison and I did all the budgeting and we convinced them that – if we were successful in our applications – we could make it work.’

The sisters helped each other with their applications to College and were thrilled when they were both accepted.

It was daunting coming to Ormond at first, but my first year at the College has really been amazing. I’m surrounded by motivated and kind people all the time. People here really encourage you to try all sorts of new things – and not just academic stuff.’

The major musical production at College last year was Spring Awakening and Chelsey ended up being in the ensemble and heading costume design. ‘I threw myself in the deep end with the costume design role. I volunteered for it, thinking I probably wouldn’t get it, then I got the job and had to learn how to sew! I had no idea what I was doing at first. We ended up making more than 30 costumes. I was part of the Ormond netball team too. We made it into the grand final against Queen’s College.’

Formal Hall has been another fun part of the Ormond experience, Chelsey says. ‘At first it felt quite surreal and a bit intimidating – with the academic robes and grace in Latin and the little bread rolls. The dining hall is very grand and imposing. But after a while I realised it’s not that serious – it’s quite a fun tradition … It’s special because you’ll find yourself sitting with a different group of people every week. You’ll end up having conversations with people you might not typically talk to.’

Chelsey is grateful to be back at Ormond for her second year.

Without the generosity of donors there would be no possibility for me and my sister to go to Ormond. It’s given me an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life.’ 

Chelsey is studying a Bachelor of Arts. She’s a recipient of the Stewart Family Scholarship.

For students like Chelsey coming to university and college is contingent on significant financial support. Your gift to Ormond’s OCSC, Rural, Government School, Indigenous, Access or General Scholarships will help support more deserving students who need our assistance.