In April, many of our newest 2026 cohort of GAF scholars from across Australia attended the Foundation's online Scholarship Commencement Ceremony.

To mark the beginning of their academic journey as GAF scholars in 2026, attendees heard from two inspiring speakers and connected with fellow scholars from across Australia who had also recently received their GAF scholarship.

We invited GAF alum Sasha Sri Deenathayalan and third-year GAF scholar Sarah Dally to share reflections on their first year and offer encouragement and motivation to new scholars who have just begun their university experience.

Sasha Sri Deenathayalan
Sasha, a Deakin scholar specialising in Law and International Studies and a recipient of the Deakin Excellence in Leadership Award, joined from the UK while undertaking an exchange at the University of East Anglia. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in her first year, including impostor syndrome, and how she gradually built her confidence. Sasha also reflected on how the GAF scholarship enabled her to embrace new opportunities and rediscover her passion for her degree.

Sarah Dally
Sarah relocated to Adelaide from Mount Gambier in 2023 to pursue her ambitions as a track and road cyclist. She shared her passion for supporting young people’s wellbeing and encouraging physical activity through her roles as an AIS Mental Fitness Program Ambassador and a Premier’s Be Active Challenge Ambassador.

Alongside her sporting pursuits, Sarah is completing a double degree in Psychology and Sport and Exercise Science, while working as an event coordinator at the Little Heroes Foundation and facilitating the South Australian Rural Youth Ambassador Program. She offered practical insights on self-care and building confidence as scholars settle into uni life — reminding them that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Sarah spoke of how daunting the shift from a structured high school routine to university can be and encouraged scholars to give themselves some grace during this significant transition.

Check out the full video below.