Jordan Eitler receives the distinguished Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship
Deakin law student Jordan Eitler has been awarded the distinguished Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship.
Jordan was presented the $40,000 scholarship by His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia at a black-tie ceremony in Brisbane.
The scholarship provides him with financial assistance for tuition fees, study resources and living expenses as well as a personal mentoring relationship with a mentor who has received an appointment or award in the Order of Australia in the field of law.
‘This is an outstanding opportunity to network with law professional, learn more about working with larger law firms while also gaining highly valuable, quality life experience,’ says Jordan.
Now in his third year of a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws degree, Jordan is studying at Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront Campus after first making the move from northern Victoria to live at Deakin’s on-campus residences at Waurn Ponds.
He says he chose to study law because it was a career in which he felt he could make a difference.
‘My interests in law revolve around personal injury claims and the satisfaction gained from helping a client through a very difficult time appeals to me the most. Law is also the type of field where no day is the same … I really enjoy talking with people and understanding them. The sense of accomplishment, by way of helping people, appeals to me in that I can offer closure and a sense of justice.’
Grateful for the support and enhanced opportunities the scholarship provides, Jordan says it will make a ‘huge difference’ to his study and career goals.
‘It means I can remain focused on my study and ensures I have a fabulous network of people around me who believe I can make a difference. It is very humbling to know that people will help with anything to see me succeed.’
He also acknowledges that the scholarship has provided him with added dedication to his study success.
‘To achieve something like this is amazing. It has put me in a fantastic position to reach my goals and shows that hard work and dedication does eventually pay off. If anything, I now want to work even harder to take every opportunity that’s available to me. The confidence I now have in terms of knowing that I am doing all the right things is fantastic. I’m more focused than ever to accomplish my goals.’
After completing his double degree, Jordan would like to undertake an honours degree in law and continue expanding his practical skills.
‘As for career progression, I hope to gain as much legal experience as I possibly can in the coming years. With the help of my mentor, who has fantastic connections, I should be in a great position to accomplish this.’
Jordan also hopes his achievement can inspire other students – particularly those from rural and regional areas – to know there are no limits to ambition and accomplishment.
‘Everyone has potential to reach their goals and this scholarship award demonstrates that if you are willing to work hard there are outstanding opportunities. I also believe that it’s really important for country students to know that they can belong and thrive at university.’
The Order of Australia Association Foundation is supporting the next generation of leaders by helping promising young Australians to achieve their potential. Each year the Foundation sponsors scholarships to young Australian students in their early years of tertiary study.