SYDNEY - Gianluca Arlotta, a determined and passionate student, recently received the prestigious Club Italia Mounties scholarship for 2023, awarded to Year 12 students from schools in New South Wales.

The scholarship, created by the Gruppo dell’Amicizia in memory of Enrica Inglese, is a testimony to the exceptional academic performance of Gianluca and of his dedication to extracurricular activities and community service.

“The selection of the recipient of the Club Italia Mounties scholarship was based chiefly on academic merit,” explained Gianluca.

“Among the conditions to win the scholarship was a minimum HSC ATAR of 95, as well as excellent results in other areas such as extracurricular activity and community service.”

This scholarship opens a crucial pathway in helping students achieve their future study goals.

“I hope to be able to complete my Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Sydney and graduate with honours,” he shared.

“My majors are Economics and Business System Information. In the coming years I’ll look for an opportunity to start my career in the field of finance.

“[I’m] particularly [interested] in the area of quantitative analysis and artificial intelligence.”

Gianluca’s relationship with the Italian language and culture is deeply rooted within his family.

“First of all, both my parents are Italian,” he explained. “My mother’s parents came to Australia from Italy when they were young, meanwhile my father came here only 25 years ago, at the age of 20.

“As a result, I have a deep cultural bond and am very proud of my Italian origins.”

Gianluca has intentions of taking full advantage of opportunities to study or work in Italy in the future.

“I think that The University of Sydney offers the possibility of pursuing various courses in Italy for those who’d like to,” he explained.

 “Needless to say that I’d really like to be able to have an experience in Italy and if this opportunity were to present itself, I would seize it.

“[It would be] a moment of fundamental learning in which I could gain a broader and more global perspective to apply to the field I’d like to work in.”

Reflecting on the recognition received and on how the scholarship will influence his future, Gianluca reiterated that he is certain the financial support “will provide a base for [my] academic and professional journey”.

“It’s a clear and personal reminder for me that hard work always presents me with opportunities and takes me where I want to be.

“I hope to be able to add other lessons to this, all based on the hard work that I dedicate to my university studies and other aspects of life.

“I’m sure that this recognition will help to differentiate me from the others, because it reflects my love for the Italian culture and language, in addition to the dedication and diligence that I put into everything that I devote myself to.”

Translated by Siena Fattore