Jaffly Chen, Westpac Scholar, 2019 Future Leader
UNSW
My name is Jaffly Chen. I’m a medical doctor and a 2019 Westpac Future Leaders Scholar, and I’m passionate about rural and indigenous medicine. I want to help close the gap and transform our rural healthcare system - a bold ambition but one I am deeply committed to achieving.
A year ago, when I came across the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, I really struggled with whether or not I should put myself forward for this. But I am so glad I did. Here is a letter I have written to the person I was a year ago, perhaps where you find yourself right now, to share the impact that the scholarship has had on me over the last 12 months and how it has helped equip me with the tools I’m going to need to achieve my goals and make a real difference. If you’re grappling with some career decisions, I hope this letter will help you to take the leap of faith, as I did, and apply for a scholarship that could change your life.
Dear (past) Jaffly,
Congratulations, you’ve almost finished your first degree! Yes, I know it’s a very busy time right now - you’re applying for jobs next year, thinking about what Masters might be a good fit, and you’ve got that conference coming up next week!
But just take a seat and hear me out okay buddy?
What if I told the Westpac Future Leaders scholarship could support you fully throughout your post-graduate studies, covering your tuition, living expenses, conferences, and international experiences – including going to MIT and Harvard to study Healthcare Innovation!?
How incredible would it be to attend a bespoke leadership program as part of the scholarship - taught by some of the world’s best leadership experts?
You’ll be challenged, much more than you thought possible, but don’t panic. You’ll grow, reflect, become empowered, and develop into a much better leader for it. Never before have you come across a group of people so varied and interesting, and so unconditionally supportive of your dreams, ambitions, and passions.
You’ll come to realise this scholarship is about so much more than just the Future Leader Scholars who are on this learning journey with you. The Asian Exchange scholars, Young Technologists, Social Change Fellows and Research Fellows are all inspirational and supportive and you’ll join the W100 Network who are every bit as invested in helping you to succeed. You’ll also realise that it’s not about whether you match up, but how you can utilise your unique talents and strengths to help others succeed too.
Trust me. I promise you that joining the Westpac family will be one of the best opportunities imaginable. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So take that shot because it’s the first step to investing in yourself and creating a better tomorrow. It will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. [link to application form]
Go rock some socks off!
(Present) Jaffly
PS – I’ll be really mad if you don’t apply.
About the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship
The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship program with a difference. Focused on developing leadership potential, the program supports individuals with the drive and ideas to help shape a better future through their work and studies. Valued up to $120,000 over 2-3 years, the scholarship includes a nine-month leadership development program, opportunities to gain global experience and access to extensive networks through the Westpac 100 Scholars Network.
Applications for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship are now open. Click here for information on key dates and how to apply.
Apply now. Applications close 4 September 2019