BY the time she reached year 10, Georgia Smith knew journalism was calling.
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The former Catholic College Wodonga student was named the recipient of the annual Cameron Thompson Memorial Scholarship on Friday, the sixth winner of the prize.
Just a few months away from graduating from Swinburne University of Technology, the 21-year-old said her interest in writing and history had steered her towards the fourth estate.
“I always loved English and writing from a really young age, and I’ve also really liked history and true stories, hearing about things that really happened,” she said.
“By the time I got to year 10 I thought journalism was a good career path for me.”
Hitting the streets and talking to people was what made life as a reporter a particularly appealing prospect for Miss Smith.
“I love being able to get out and talk to people, hear them tell their stories,” she said.
“That was one of my favourite things about the course at uni, and just the love of writing.
“There hasn’t been anything about it that I haven’t enjoyed.”
The scholarship comprises a $3000 bursary and an internship with The Border Mail.
The Wodonga local said she was looking forward to getting a taste of life in the newsroom.
“After having to do my studies in Melbourne, having the opportunity to come home and have a chance like this is really exciting.
“With everything moving online, it’s changing the way things are being done, but it’s sort of exciting too because there’s new opportunities that come with it as well.”
Miss Smith was formally announced as the winner of the scholarship at the Cameron Thompson Memorial Golf Day, the 10th event to be held in recognition of the late Border Mail editor.
Speaking at the function, current editor Xavier Mardling said Georgia and Cameron shared similar qualities that would hold the former in good stead as she embarked on a career in media.
“What stood out for Georgia was that, like Cameron did, she grew up in this area, reading The Border Mail,” he said.
“Her passion for the area and for writing really shone through – I've got no doubt it'll be the start of a very long career for her.”
Mardling also paid tribute to Thompson, who passed away in 2008.
“It's always a special day, having started at The Border Mail when Cameron was there he was someone I really looked up to,” he said.
“He was a giant of The Border Mail and it is important that we continue his legacy.”
The team of Brad Lodge, Matt Miller, Steve McDowell and Des Royal won the day with a score of 54 and 1/8.