Engineering student proves perseverance pays off
CQUniversity Rockhampton Engineering student Christian Abit is proving that resilience, determination and a belief in a better future can change the course of a life, and he hopes his story inspires others facing their own challenges.
Originally from the Philippines, Christian grew up in a small community where life was often challenging. Despite the hardships, he said his family’s love and encouragement taught him to stay strong and work hard for a better future.
“From a young age, I’ve always aspired to leave a meaningful impact on the world,” Christian said.
“My mum worked far from home so my siblings and I could have opportunities she never had. My grandparents, uncles and aunts all helped raise me and they’ve always reminded me to stay grateful and keep going no matter what.”
A naturally gifted maths student, Christian set his sights on engineering early, inspired by creators like NASA engineer–turned–YouTuber Mark Rober.
“I wanted to go into a maths-heavy field and bring to life the ideas in my head, engineering was exactly that,” Christian said.
But just as he received his first offer to study engineering at CQUniversity, Christian’s life took a devastating turn. An undiagnosed genetic condition he had been born with suddenly worsened after high school, crushing his spine and leaving him unable to walk.
“I ended up in hospital for two years,” Christian said.
“The first year was surgery, and the second was recovery and physiotherapy. Back then, I really thought I’d never be able to walk again.”
Forced to decline his university offer, he focused solely on learning to move again, a journey he describes as slow, daunting and sometimes impossible.
“There was a real possibility of permanent paralysis,” Christian said.
“I didn’t think I’d ever get back to my normal self. But slowly, day by day, I regained the ability to walk.”
Today, Christian is in his second year of a Bachelor of Engineering at CQUniversity Rockhampton, walking independently and reclaiming the future he once feared was lost. And he says receiving the CQUniCares Evinact Scholarship has been a significant help in rebuilding that future.
“This scholarship has been transformative, enabling me to focus more on my studies and exceed academically,” Christian said.
“As an international student, I’m not eligible for a student loan, so I work part-time at two local retail jobs to support myself.
“The scholarship eased the financial pressure, helped me afford essential equipment like a computer for my engineering software and even allowed me to take time off when assessments or exams were really demanding.”
Christian said the scholarship gave him the confidence to pursue his goals without feeling like he was falling behind.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m determined to become an engineer who can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Christian said.
Evinact CEO Mr Neil Makepeace was the donor for Christian’s scholarship.
"We are delighted to see Christian thriving in his studies, and proud to play a part in his journey,” Mr Makepeace said.
“Supporting dedicated students like Christian to make a lasting impact in the world is at the heart of our purpose at Evinact.”
As Christian continues his studies, he hopes his story will inspire others who might be facing tough times.
“It doesn’t matter how long it takes or how many challenges you face, as long as you start, that’s what matters,” Christian said.
“I encourage anyone who’s thinking about applying for a scholarship to go for it. The support can truly change your life, just like it has changed mine.”
