“I’m meant to be here”

How financial help brought Josh to Avondale

Joshua Lolo could be the first in his immediate and extended family to graduate from university. It’ll be a proud moment, for him and his dad. “We’re a big family,” says Josh, the eldest of eight children, “and we don’t have a lot of money, but he keeps us through.” Dad’s favourite saying, “Do your best and let God do the rest,” motivates Josh to continue growing intellectually and spiritually.

Wanting to do both at Avondale but not having the means to do so tested faith. Then came some good news: Josh would be receiving the Vice-Chancellor/President’s and Morisset High School Scholarships. “If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be here. The scholarships were God’s way of telling me He’s still in control.” Josh is thankful for the support. “I’m now able to get an education, and because of that I have a future.”

As a business student, Josh hopes that future is a career as an accountant for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He’s getting some good experience now as a member of the treasury team for the church on campus. He feels strongly about the sometimes missing link between our finance and our faith.

Income from a role in the kitchen of a residential aged-care facility and from an on-campus role in Student Life Services help Josh pay his tuition fees. “I don’t have a lot of money left over, but it’s enough.”

Growing up in Tonga and then New Zealand has given Josh an understanding of different cultures. He describes Avondale as a reminder of what it was like before moving to Australia. Having people from so many backgrounds is refreshing, he says. And studying and working in an environment that resembles home is comforting. A sister and a brother have now followed Josh’s lead. “I remember feeling welcome—really welcome—when I first came. Like I was meant to be here.”