Not long ago, Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholar Emma found herself on the front page of the Blacktown City Independent and speaking live on radio. While the recognition has been exciting, it’s also been a surreal experience.
“It’s been a humbling experience,” Emma says. “To see my story being shared so widely and inspiring other young women like me is one of those feelings that I don’t know how to put into words. It’s still surprising to me that people want to listen to my story.”
For Emma, sharing her story isn’t about recognition. It’s about showing other young women that their circumstances do not define their future.
A dream that once felt impossible
When Emma first became a Harding Miller Scholar, university felt like a distant dream.
“I had always dreamed of going to university, but I never believed I would make it,” she says.
Receiving a Harding Miller scholarship changed that.
“I’ve realised, ‘You know what? Maybe this isn’t so far out of reach.’ University now feels like a real possibility for me.”
The support extended far beyond financial assistance. Access to tutoring, school resources and the Foundation’s Future Success Program opened Emma’s eyes to career pathways she had never previously considered.
“Without that support, especially the Future Success Program, I don’t think I would be considering the careers I am exploring now.”
Today, Emma hopes to study a double degree in Political Science and International Relations at the Australian National University, with the ambition of one day becoming a diplomat representing Australia on the world stage.
The phone call that changed everything
Ask Emma about the moment that had the greatest impact on her confidence, and she doesn’t hesitate.
She still remembers the afternoon she found out she had been awarded a Harding Miller scholarship.
She had just returned home after receiving another scholarship and was sitting at the table studying when her mother listened to a voicemail that had been left earlier that day.
A few minutes later, her mum walked into the room.
“She told me I’d got the scholarship. I was in disbelief. I said, ‘No, you’re crazy. Why would they pick someone like me?'”
Her mother replayed the voicemail.
“When it finished, I was ecstatic. I was honoured, humbled and so happy I was in tears – and so was my mum.”
Looking back, Emma believes that moment fundamentally changed the way she saw herself.
“Having someone you’ve never met believe in you and invest in your future… it changed my confidence. There’s nothing else out there that’s really like the Harding Miller Scholarship.”
Finding strength through difficult times
Emma’s journey hasn’t been without challenges.
Several years ago, Emma faced hurtful comments and unkind treatment at school because of her Indigenous heritage, her appearance, the way she dressed, her glasses and even her commitment to learning.
“One of my best friends at the time told me that if I wanted more friends, I needed to stop being a ‘nerd’.”
Over time, Emma began to tie her self-worth to academic and sporting performance, believing she wasn’t good enough.
“I just took one day at a time. One class at a time. Even one step at a time.”
Although she sought help, the advice to simply “ignore it” never felt enough.
Things began to change when she realised she didn’t have to face those challenges alone.
Supported by her family, friends, teachers, trusted adults and the Harding Miller Education Foundation, Emma gradually rebuilt her confidence.
“I realised there wasn’t anything wrong with who I was. It’s okay to be me. It’s okay to be proud of my differences that make me who I am.”
Today, while moments of self-doubt still arise, Emma has developed a healthier perspective.
“I know mistakes are the building blocks for improvement and that, if I ever need help, I’ve always got someone I can speak to.”
Success looks different now
Emma’s definition of success has evolved dramatically.
“When I was younger, success was getting perfect marks and always coming first.”
Today, success means something much more meaningful.
“Success is being the best version of myself, doing the best I can, overcoming difficult situations, reaching goals and making dreams a reality.”
It’s a perspective shaped not only by resilience, but by the people who believed in her long before she fully believed in herself.
A message for every Harding Miller Scholar
As Emma prepares for her future, she hopes her story encourages other scholars to keep believing in themselves, even when life feels overwhelming.
“Life is hard. Everyone has their own struggles, setbacks and challenges. The most important thing is to know that, if you set your mind to it, anything is possible.”
For Emma, the future is full of possibility.
“I’ve lost count of how many times my career aspirations have changed,” she laughs. “That’s what makes this time especially exciting. I’m at a crossroads now and I’m excited to see where my life takes me.”
One thing, however, is already certain.
The young girl who once questioned whether she was “good enough” has become an inspiring role model for the next generation of Harding Miller Scholars – proving that when potential is recognised, supported and nurtured, extraordinary futures become possible.
