Congratulations to Roger Ngodrii Santos Jr from Palau on commencing a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management through the Australia Awards program. Roger is the first Australia Awards scholar from Palau supported by the Australia‑PacificPartnerships for Aviation (P4A) program.
What inspired you to apply for the Australia Awards and choose aviation as your field of study, and how did you prepare yourself for the application process?
Although I always aspired to be a pilot, I chose Aviation Management through Australia Awards to pursue my long‑standing interest in aviation. This pathway allows me to contribute meaningfully to the sector while advancing my personal and professional goals.
What are you most looking forward to both academically and personally and how are you feeling about studying in a new environment?
I am most looking forward to meeting new people, building friendships, and expanding my professional networks here in Australia. Academically, I am eager to deepen my knowledge in the aviation field. So far, my experience has been very positive, and I am grateful for the opportunity to study in a new environment that challenges me to work harder and strive for higher levels of achievement.
How do you see this opportunity supporting your long-term goals, and what contribution do you hope to make to the Palau aviation sector when you return?
For now, I am just focusing on my next step, which is learning about the aviation industry. However, I do hope that all I am able to learn here and the connections I make will contribute to a better and advanced aviation sector in Palau I want to be able to make a difference by providing my knowledge and improving the aviation sector even if just a little.
What would you say to other young FSM and Palau students who are considering applying next year, especially those interested in the aviation sector?
Studying aviation is a great opportunity, especially if you have a passion for the sector. I encourage others to take the chance there is so much to learn from the Australian aviation industry that can be adapted to strengthen our aviation systems back home. There is strong support available, so don’t be afraid to study abroad. Just try, it’s what I did. And remember, if you’re scared, do it scared.
