Ethan Weissel

Ethan Weissel’s future has been transformed by a year studying abroad in Europe. Supported by a Brighter Futures Scholarship, it has allowed a kid from Lismore to connect with the person he’s becoming.

Far from home and studying in Brisbane, Ethan hit on the opportunity of a lifetime to study in Germany—it was just going to be incredibly expensive.

While working to support himself and living out of home, Ethan was under considerable financial strain. He scrimping to save up for his year-long exchange when news of his Brighter Futures Scholarship arrived.

“I was so incredibly happy,” he says. “It was an amazing feeling knowing I could dedicate more time to reaching my goals.”

While hard work and resilience might seem to come naturally, it was Ethan’s pursuit of swimming, water polo and soccer that helped him develop these qualities and mindset.

“It felt like recognition for all the effort I was putting in across all my studies. I was volunteering, doing internships and getting involved in extracurricular activities. All while working to support myself.”

Influenced by his upbringing focused on sport, Ethan’s initial goal was to become a sports data analyst. But while living and studying in Germany, his outlook on data science started shifting.

Freed from financial pressures, Ethan was able to immerse himself in his study and delve deep into how European industries were using data analytics in novel ways.

“The exchange has broadened my view of what’s possible. There are so many opportunities and fields I had not even considered working in,” says Ethan.

While overseas, he also volunteered for Griffith’s Go Global team, helping other students prepare for their exchange and sharing the benefits of studying abroad.

But Ethan’s journey would not have been possible without the generous support of donors.

“It’s a natural reaction when you’ve been surviving so long to want to relax and take the breathing spaces that’s been afforded. But I’m determined to show donors that their investment in my future is a mandate for pursuing excellence.”

“Words are not enough to thank every single person who contributed to my scholarship,” he says. “Your support motivates me to work harder, achieve more and to make the most of every opportunity.”