GJK Facility Services Scholarship Empowers Country Girl to Achieve Aerospace Dreams

Isabelle's Inspiring Journey with the GJK Facility Services Scholarship

Isabelle Mountjoy-Austen’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Raised in a single-parent household with six siblings, Isabelle’s childhood was marked by challenges that most could never imagine. Yet, her unwavering commitment to her education and her dreams has led her to become a third-year aerospace engineering student at RMIT, defying the odds stacked against her.

From the very beginning, Isabelle knew that higher education was the path to a better life, but the road to university was far from easy. The second eldest of seven children, she took on the responsibility of helping care for her younger siblings, often balancing her academic work with the needs of her family. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she completed Year 12 in two years while simultaneously homeschooling her siblings.

“I remember being in an online English class, and my little sister was just running around my bedroom,” Isabelle recalls. “It was stressful, but when you have so many siblings, you don’t know any different. You just get used to it.”

Despite these challenges, Isabelle’s love for science and mathematics led her to participate in Women in STEM events starting from Year 8. She dedicated herself to excelling in her studies, eventually securing a spot at RMIT University to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours).

From Chaos to Triumph: Overcoming Life’s Obstacles

Isabelle’s first year at university was nothing short of chaotic. She moved from her hometown of Bendigo to Melbourne, where she lived in student accommodation in Footscray. That year, however, was marked by even more adversity. Her student accommodation caught fire, forcing her to move four times.

“On top of that, my partner’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, and we lost her that year as well. We were close, and she was a huge support to me,” Isabelle says.

Despite the emotional toll and the logistical challenges, Isabelle pressed on. It wasn’t until she received an email while driving back to Bendigo that her life took a remarkable turn. She had been awarded the inaugural GJK Facility Services Scholarship, a generous financial award that would change the course of her university journey.

“I was in the car driving back to Bendigo when I received the email. It’s such a lot of money, and I just couldn’t believe it. It changed my life,” Isabelle shares.

A Scholarship That Provides More Than Just Financial Relief

Before receiving the scholarship, Isabelle was living on a tight budget, with only $50 left over after paying rent each week. But with the scholarship, she gained the freedom to breathe. For the first time, she could treat herself and focus on her studies without the constant stress of financial instability.

“Being able to actually fully function and not just be constantly in the pattern of being a broke uni student has increased my overall mental health,” Isabelle reflects.

The scholarship gave her the chance to take care of herself, something that had previously felt impossible while juggling the pressures of university and life. With the financial stability the scholarship provided, Isabelle could focus on her studies, engage in extracurricular activities, and improve her overall well-being.

A Passion for Engineering and Giving Back

Now in her third year, Isabelle is pursuing her dream of becoming an aerospace engineer. Her academic success is not only due to her exceptional talent in STEM but also her deep desire to give back. As the first person in her family to attend university, Isabelle understands the barriers faced by students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. This understanding has driven her to work with RMIT’s Schools Network Access Program (SNAP), which helps students from underrepresented backgrounds gain entry to university.

“I was the same. Now I get to be that person who shows them it’s possible,” Isabelle says.

Through her work with SNAP, Isabelle mentors students who face similar challenges and helps them navigate the complexities of university life. Her mission is to show these students that higher education is attainable, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

A Future in Flight Testing: Isabelle’s Next Goal

Looking ahead, Isabelle is eager to pursue a summer internship in flight testing, where she hopes to apply her knowledge of aerospace engineering in a practical setting. “I find it fascinating to be part of a process that ensures planes won’t fail, even in extreme scenarios. I’d love to be in any role that helps make flying safer. It’s just so cool,” she says.

Her ultimate goal is to work in flight testing, ensuring that aircraft components can withstand the extreme conditions they may face during flight. With her determination, focus, and passion for engineering, Isabelle is well on her way to achieving her career goals.

The Power of Giving Back: George Stamas and the GJK Facility Services Scholarship

The GJK Facility Services Scholarship was not just a financial gift for Isabelle, it was an investment in her future and in the future of many more students like her. The scholarship is part of GJK Facility Services’ broader commitment to social impact, education access, and community support. As part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations, GJK committed to 40 Acts of Kindness, and the scholarship was a key initiative in fulfilling that mission.

Mr. George Stamas AM, Founder and Executive Chair of GJK Facility Services, shared his thoughts on the importance of supporting young people like Isabelle. “When you give a young person security, you give them the freedom to achieve their potential. Scholarships like this are not charity, they are about opening doors that talent alone cannot unlock when financial barriers stand in the way.”

George Stamas: A Legacy of Social Investment and Education

George Stamas’ commitment to social responsibility goes beyond business success. As a self-made entrepreneur, George’s journey from humble beginnings to the founder of one of Australia’s largest privately-owned integrated facility service providers is a testament to his values of hard work, integrity, and giving back to the community.

Through GJK Facility Services, George has invested not only in industry leadership but also in education, employment, and community support. He believes that everyone should have the opportunity to rise, and that by supporting individuals like Isabelle, he is helping to create a future where barriers are broken, and potential is realized.

For more information about the GJK Facility Services Scholarship and the company’s ongoing commitment to social impact, visit GJK Facility Services.