McKeely Hol grew up in the close-knit town of Portland, Victoria, where she honed her passion for leadership and community involvement. A former school captain at Monivae College, McKeely is now a driven Bachelor of Laws student at Deakin University in Melbourne. Her journey has been profoundly shaped by her experiences and her commitment to helping others navigate challenging situations.
Moving five hours from home was a leap for McKeely, and the support from FFV made all the difference. “The scholarship relieved me of the financial pressure of moving away and enabled me to focus on my studies, wellbeing and forming new connections,” she says.
At the 2024 Scholarship Presentations, McKeely addressed this year’s scholarship recipients and their loved ones, as well as representatives from FFV and Freemasons Victoria.
Reflecting on her path to law, McKeely recalled her early encounters with the legal system through VCE studies and a career quiz in Year 10. The quiz suggested a career as a barrister—a recommendation she took to heart after discovering her passion for justice and advocacy. She later joined Deakin’s Accelerate program, completing the first two units of her degree, while finishing Year 12.
“It was a challenge managing university, VCE and being school captain, but it was all worth it. I had found my passion,” she said.
McKeely’s drive also stems from a personal journey through hardship. At age 14, she began experiencing unexplained seizures, a condition that disrupted her life and forced her to adapt.
“It became my norm,” she shared in the speech, “but I told myself, I’m going through this hard time, so someone else doesn’t have to.”
This perspective inspired her commitment to community service, from volunteering with the Portland Blue Light Disco to fostering kittens with the RSPCA.
The FFV scholarship has opened doors, allowing McKeely to focus on excelling in her studies and immersing herself in university life. As Sponsorship Officer for the Deakin Law Students’ Society, she is connecting with legal professionals and building a foundation for her future legal career, where she hopes to advocate for justice and give back to the community.
For McKeely, the scholarship has been more than financial aid—it has been a stepping stone to achieving her dreams. Her final message to the 2024 cohort of scholarship recipients?
“Don’t let your past stop you from fulfilling your future potential. Challenges will come, but they are just part of your story—they do not define you.”
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