Queen Mary of Denmark with scholarship recipients Sophia Parada (left) and Matthew Joffe Photo: Thomas Bruun Funch
When University of Sydney student Sophia Parada began her degree in 2020, she feared the pandemic would derail her dreams of studying abroad. Last week, at a ceremony in Denmark, she shook hands with Queen Mary as she accepted a scholarship to study at the University of Copenhagen.
The Crown Princess Mary Scholarship: from Australia to Denmark
Australia-born Queen Mary presented Parada with the Crown Princess Mary Scholarship, awarded annually to two outstanding Australian students, supporting them to complete a portion of their studies at the Danish university. This year’s other recipient was Matthew Joffe of the University of Technology Sydney. The University of Copenhagen established the scholarship in 2004 as a wedding gift to the then Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, now King and Queen of Denmark.
“I was slightly nervous beforehand,” said Parada. “But as soon as Her Majesty Queen Mary entered the room it was clear how down to earth she was. She has a very graceful way of making everyone around her feel comfortable and appreciated. It was very inspiring.”
For Parada, the scholarship represents the fulfillment of a long-held ambition. “I’d always had this dream of studying abroad,” she said. “But as I started University, COVID was shutting the world down. International borders didn’t start reopening until the final year of my undergraduate degree. I didn’t see how it could ever happen, but I just kept looking for opportunities. I’m so thrilled to be here. It’s been one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”
