Oscar Winter’s (Class of 2022) University Graduation
“Honestly… it hasn’t hit yet.”
That’s how Oscar Winter describes the feeling of graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Psychology & Biology. Sitting down to chat, there’s a quiet calm to him - reflective, grounded, and clearly someone who has taken the long road of growth seriously.
Midway through our conversation, we run into Mr Stent, Director of Performing Arts, a familiar face from Oscar’s time at Dilworth.
“He was a core part of my journey at Dilworth,” he says. “If you got praise from Mr Stent you knew it was well earned.”
A Change in Direction
Oscar’s journey wasn’t always straightforward. In fact, it took a significant turn.
“I started off really into drama and music,” he explains. “But then I shifted to psychology and biology, which was a big change.”
It wasn’t a decision made lightly. Psychology came from a genuine desire to help others, particularly those close to him. Biology, on the other hand, was sparked by a teacher who made a lasting impression.
“Mr Butler, he made me truly love biology.”
Faced with the decision between biology and music, Oscar had a moment of clarity.
“Music was something I loved, but I realised, for me, it was more of a hobby. Biology felt like something I could build a future around.”
That decision has now steered him toward a passion for conservation and environmental work, a pathway that combines curiosity, purpose, and care for both people and the planet.
The Power of Brotherhood
For Oscar, what stands out most from his time at Dilworth are the connections he made along the way.
“The boys. The friendships. That brotherhood.”
He describes it as a constant, something that grounded him through the ups and downs of school life.
“It’s hard to explain unless you’ve felt it. That closeness… it really stays with you.”
Those relationships helped him develop more than just memories. They built his confidence, his social skills, and his ability to stay motivated.
A Mentor Who Made a Difference
A pivotal part of Oscar’s journey came through the Staples Education Foundation Scholarship. While the financial support was significant, it was the people, Oscar says, who made the biggest impact.
“Mark Watkins was my mentor; he helped so much - we had weekly catch-ups, and over time it didn’t even feel like mentoring anymore. It just felt like meeting a friend.”
Those regular conversations gave Oscar space to reflect, reset, and grow. “The biweekly meetings forced me to check in with myself - how I was doing, what I needed to improve. It gave structure to my life.”
Mark, his mentor and current Dilworth parent, reflects on the experience: “It’s been incredible to watch Oscar navigate his young life. You can see how deeply he cares about making a difference for others.”
The Staples Education Foundation Scholarship itself lifted a major burden.
“That $15,000 meant I could focus on my studies instead of stressing about money or working constantly,” Oscar explains. “It let me enjoy university - and really invest in myself.”
But beyond the financial and academic support, Oscar highlights the less obvious impact of the SEF scholarship: “It’s the small things - learning to look inward, growing as a person. Staples didn’t just give support; it helped me give more to myself, too.”
Gratitude That Runs Deep
When asked what he would say to those behind the Staples Education Foundation, Oscar pauses before answering sincerely:
“I’ve said thank you many times… and not even the tiniest fraction of that thankfulness has faded.”
He recognises how far the ripple effect goes - beyond his own life, touching his family and wider community.
Similarly, his mum reflects on the transformation she’s seen:
“I’m super proud,” Oscar’s mum says. “I believe Dilworth gave him the structure and discipline he needed to thrive. Honestly, he probably wouldn’t have gone to university without it.”
Looking Ahead: Purpose and Giving Back
So what’s next?
“I want to travel, become a biologist or a therapist, and explore while doing what I love,” he says. “And help people as much as I can along the way.”
But in the long term, there’s a clear vision. “I’d love to be working in conservation, doing fieldwork… but also potentially come back to Dilworth one day as a school counsellor.”
It’s a full-circle moment, from student to mentor, from being supported to giving back.
Oscar has already begun that journey, stepping into mentoring roles and passing on what he’s learned to others who are just starting out.
A Final Word
If he could offer one piece of advice to future Staples scholars, it wouldn’t be about grades or career choices.
“It will change your life in more ways than you can imagine,” he says. “Not just because of what it gives you, but because of how it changes how you see yourself.”
From a young student exploring music and drama to a graduate with a passion for biology, conservation, and helping others, Oscar’s journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when opportunity, support, and determination come together.
And even if graduation hasn’t quite sunk in yet, there’s no doubt he’s ready for what comes next.