A scholarship is helping Eirene Hu pursue her engineering dreams – and she’s already considering how she can pay it forward.
Career inspiration can strike at any time – just ask Eirene Hu.
Eirene was born and raised in China but moved to Australia with her parents when she was 21. She was working in childcare when the idea of changing course came to her.
“I was reading to the children, educating them, and I was educating myself at the same time,” she said. “I started to think about what really interested me. I realised I liked maths, I liked design, and also I liked creating new things, so I thought maybe engineering could suit me.”
At the age of 28, Eirene was accepted onto the Bachelor of Engineering degree at RMIT and left her childcare job – and the financial security it had provided. At first, she found returning to study challenging and was often short of money. She hesitated to take on part-time work, concerned it would impact her study time and derail her academic focus.
When she was awarded an RMIT Study Support Scholarship, everything changed. She spent the funds on academic essentials, rent, and experiences that would help her learning, including an engineering workshop.
“It didn’t just ease financial stress but turned opportunities I once couldn’t afford into steps towards my goals. It was a chance to invest in myself, and I wanted to honour that fully,” she said.
“Receiving the scholarship hit me with a deep sense of validation. Then came pride – not just for myself, but I felt like my parents’ and teachers' belief in me had been seen, too.
“For so long, I’d questioned if my late nights studying and my attempts to balance part-time work with study were enough. The scholarship said, ‘Yes – your effort matters.’ It was a reminder that I belonged in this program, that my goals were worth pursuing. I felt grateful, motivated, and ready to push harder – like someone had handed me a compass, confirming I was on the right path.”
Now in her second year of the Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics) (Honours) program, Eirene is thriving in her studies. After graduating, she is interested in working on projects that make advanced manufacturing tools – such as 3D printers – available to small-scale local businesses, helping them compete with larger factories while keeping production local.
Eirene said the generosity of the donors who fund equity scholarships like hers taught her the power of paying it forward.
“Seeing that someone I've never met cared enough to invest in my education made me realise I want to do the same for future students someday – whether by mentoring young engineers, supporting scholarships myself, or designing manufacturing solutions that create more accessible career paths in STEM,” she said.
And she sent her donors this heartfelt message: “I promise to honour your trust by working hard, staying curious, and always remembering that kindness like yours is what helps people turn their dreams into reality. Thank you for changing my life.”
You can help more students like Eirene pursue STEM careers by supporting Women in STEM Scholarships at RMIT.
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