‘Mind over matter’: How inspiring teen overcame hurdles

It’s been a tough few years for students across the country. Here’s how this driven Toowoomba student overcame hardship and received a life-changing scholarship worth more than $20k.

High school students across the country have faced adversity like never before in the past three years and none more so than Stephanie Rudd.

The 15-year-old Highfields Secondary School student was awarded a scholarship worth more than $20,000 by the Harding Miller Education Foundation.

More than 560 students applied, but only 162 high potential girls including Stephanie, who are experiencing low socio-economic circumstances, were awarded the scholarship.

“I do try and I study almost every night, but my school work has always just come really naturally to me,” she said.

“For me it’s all about mind over matter … you can either sit there and let things get in the way or you can push through and do something with your life.”

Highfields State Secondary College student Stephanie Rudd is the recipient of a Harding Miller Scholarship. Picture: Nev Madsen

During her first two years of high school, Covid-19 sent the world into lockdown and left many students facing a ‘new normal’, but Stephanie managed to maintain her status as an A-grade student.

But the challenges didn’t stop there for the 15-year-old high achiever, after her mum sustained an injury and was unable to work and her younger sister was diagnosed with two types of Epilepsy, placing both a financial and emotional strain on the family.

“(The scholarship has) changed my life – when mum found out I got the scholarship, she was crying happy tears,” she said.

Highfields State Secondary College student Stephanie Rudd is the recipient of a Harding Miller Scholarship. Picture: Nev Madsen

“If you have something that’s going on in your life that’s pretty bad and you don’t know how to deal with it, the best thing to do is tell someone you trust and they will help you to get through it and achieve your goals.”

The scholarship will assist in funding a laptop, uniforms, school supplies and tutoring.

When she graduates from high school, Stephanie hopes to attend college overseas and pursue a career in criminology and forensics.