Dear Carly and Jasmine

Congratulations on being awarded the Crown Princess Mary Scholarship for 2010.  It is always a pleasure for me to present the scholarship here at the University of Copenhagen and have the opportunity to meet the recipients of the scholarship and hear a little about their time here in Denmark. Actually, a couple a weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with the Danish recipients of the Crown Princess Mary Scholarship that is awarded by the University of Tasmania and hear about their time in my old home town and University (actually one was a law student so, we had the chance to exchange views on various lecturers).

Finding your area of interest in relation to your studies and future career is not always easy.  Mathematics, Law, Culture & Languages are clearly areas you feel both very passionate about and where you see yourselves in international careers in the future. In the effort to reach your goals, both of you have demonstrated a drive and courage to seize opportunities which challenge and develop you both academically and personally.

Carly, at your home university, the University of Queensland, you have worked as a tutor in both English and Mathematics and even developed teaching material for fellow students.  Your work doesn’t go unnoticed and has received much praise from the Associate Dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Science. It is commendable when someone uses their academic and personal strengths and reserves of energy for the benefit of others. Qualities you have also used in your tutoring work with refugees in Brisbane.

I understand that you see coming to Copenhagen on exchange not only as a new academic challenge at a university with a strong tradition in the field of Mathematics, but also as a first step abroad in preparation toward realising your dream of doing a PhD at a European university. I hope that your time in Copenhagen will be further inspiration to that dream.

Jasmine, you are already a very seasoned traveller, however, you have taken a new challenge both academically and personally by coming to Copenhagen to tackle new international law courses which differ from those you have taken at the Australian National University, your home university. So far, you have shown a very keen interest in learning new languages and learning about new cultures and this interest has taken you to China and Japan, where you taught English. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Danish language and culture.

Coming here to study, will add a new cultural experience to your personal portfolio and it will also provide a new and valuable international perspective on your understanding of legal issues. You have excelled academically so far, and no doubt the multi disciplinary skills you have demonstrated will be important in your pursuit of the international career you aspire to undertake.

You both stand out as brilliant students. Both of you have a great interest in meeting people from other cultures and use your academic and social skills to not only acquire new knowledge, but also to pass that knowledge onto others. Hold on and continue to develop these qualities because they will help you reach your dreams.

It is with great pleasure that I present you with the certificate that show that you have been awarded the Crown Princess Mary Scholarship. 

Tillykke/Congratulations. I wish you all the best for the remainder of your time here in Denmark and for the future.