Kayla's Rocky Start to Uni

Michaela "Kayla" Pearse is a hardworking and humble 17 year old.

She is dedicated to her schooling and a talented artist and dancer.

Kayla has been accepted into Victoria University studying design next year.

During her last year of high school, Kayla has achieved excellent marks and spends a lot of time dancing with her crew "Salt"

Kayla knew that Uni was going to be expensive, especially the initial moving and setting up costs.

The student allowance does not start until March and until she can secure a job, she will have no income to pay for these costs.

With this in mind, and being someone who never relies on other people to pay her way - Kayla worked hard on odd jobs throughout the year. Mowing lawns, Babysitting, teaching dance, stocktaking - to build up some savings to pay for these.

She went without new clothes, meals out, movies and nights with friends to save money.

She had a goal in mind and worked so hard, and as a family, we have never been more proud.

However, in the last 3 months Kayla and her family have had to go through being robbed not once, but twice.

Between these two robberies everything that Kayla has worked hard for was taken. Including her laptop, xbox and camera among other things. Their house was trashed and Kayla's savings she had been squirreling away was taken.

Hindsight is wonderful, and yes the money should have been in the bank, but I know we have all been guilty of stashing money at some point.

Insurance can cover some material items, but does not ease the heartbreak for this family, or bring back Kayla's hard earned money.

Many of us wish we could replace this money for her but we do not have the means to do so.

With her exams finally over, this should be the time for Kayla to have a chance to relax, have some fun and get excited for her upcoming big changes next year.

Instead she is discouraged and defeated.

This is a way for family and friends to get behind Kayla and get her back on her feet. She genuinely doesn't realise how many people care and think she is an outstanding young lady.

Lets get her back on track to her bright new future of a stressed out, 2 minute noodle eating, Uni student.