Editor's Note
Regulars | Editor's Note
BrightMinds by Kariera Group

Editor’s Note

A conversation I had with a friend steered us towards the topic of career and life goals. She had a keen sense of curiosity and was a whole world stuck inside a person; she also had immense potential to empower the people around her.

Privy to her capabilities and unique qualities, I remember asking, “Why did you not apply for a scholarship?” She let out a gentle laugh and said, “I never bothered trying because I felt my grades were never good enough.”

This comment led me to think about the many others who possessed a sense of influence and exceptional qualities, but gave up on a scholarship chance simply because they felt their grades were sub-par. However, while grades are unquestionably important, they do not necessarily take up the largest fraction in the ‘Things to Look Out for in an Aspiring Scholar’ pie. In fact, there are scholars who have told us quite frankly that they were not your regular straight ‘A’s student!

Scholarship providers also consider other aspects of a student’s profile, such as leadership qualities, CCA records and, most importantly, genuine passion. So while your grades may not be impeccable, consider using your other strengths as leverage as you make scholarship applications. Don’t dismiss the prospect of a scholarship entirely because you fall short academically. You know what they say: If you never try, you’ll never know.

For now, I leave you with the rest of this magazine – a collation of stories told by scholars from a range of industries. Never be afraid to dream, take bold steps towards your goals, and embrace every opportunity to stretch your mind and potential. Great things were never achieved from comfort zones.

All the best!


Deanna Bonaparte
Assistant Editor

BrightMinds by Kariera Group

Editor’s Note

A conversation I had with a friend steered us towards the topic of career and life goals. She had a keen sense of curiosity and was a whole world stuck inside a person; she also had immense potential to empower the people around her.

Privy to her capabilities and unique qualities, I remember asking, “Why did you not apply for a scholarship?” She let out a gentle laugh and said, “I never bothered trying because I felt my grades were never good enough.”

This comment led me to think about the many others who possessed a sense of influence and exceptional qualities, but gave up on a scholarship chance simply because they felt their grades were sub-par. However, while grades are unquestionably important, they do not necessarily take up the largest fraction in the ‘Things to Look Out for in an Aspiring Scholar’ pie. In fact, there are scholars who have told us quite frankly that they were not your regular straight ‘A’s student!

Scholarship providers also consider other aspects of a student’s profile, such as leadership qualities, CCA records and, most importantly, genuine passion. So while your grades may not be impeccable, consider using your other strengths as leverage as you make scholarship applications. Don’t dismiss the prospect of a scholarship entirely because you fall short academically. You know what they say: If you never try, you’ll never know.

For now, I leave you with the rest of this magazine – a collation of stories told by scholars from a range of industries. Never be afraid to dream, take bold steps towards your goals, and embrace every opportunity to stretch your mind and potential. Great things were never achieved from comfort zones.

All the best!

Deanna Bonaparte
Assistant Editor