Ignite a spark of potential

I went to a school out in Western Sydney, where hardly anyone went to uni because of the lack of opportunity. 

UTS gave me the opportunity to study. 

My name is Sione Puloka and I'm studying a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism at the University of Technology, Sydney.

I would describe myself as persevering. My year six teacher, he told me that I like to take on challenges through thick or thin.

I'm pretty outgoing. I like talking to people. I love getting to know them. That's why I chose journalism, because I want to get to know that person's story.

I grew up in a single parent household. I have four loving sisters. It was tough growing up with the financial struggles, solely relying on my mum, for my 21 years in life. 

My mum is the greatest person I've ever known. She is my superwoman. She always told me: Do what you need to do to be great. 

My first day on campus - I really liked the feel of it. It felt like home to me personally. 

I've always wanted to be here at uni. I've always wanted to study. I didn't want to end up as a product of my environment. 

It's not just the fees - like other students, I will be paying it off for the rest of my life. The train fare, the laptop, other costs... They all pile up. I just have to make every dollar count to be honest. 

And with my disability, it takes up a lot of time and energy and effort to even get here on time.

It's hard, but I'm determined to do it. 

I could see how this scholarship would change my life. And not only for me, but my mum and sisters too. 

It means we could focus on study and not survival.

As my mum would put it: just go, be great! This scholarship creates an opportunity to do that. 

I can succeed, and other students like me can succeed. 

We have the potential. We just need the opportunity.