Sophia Parada, a student at the University of Sydney, found herself amidst royalty as she embarked on a remarkable journey to Copenhagen, accepting the prestigious Crown Princess Mary Scholarship from none other than Queen Mary of Denmark herself.
The Crown Princess Mary Scholarship, aimed at facilitating Australian students’ studies abroad, holds immense significance for Parada and her fellow recipient, Matthew Joffe from the University of Technology Sydney. Established in 2004 by the University of Copenhagen as a wedding gift to Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, now the reigning monarchs of Denmark, the scholarship annually supports two outstanding Australian students, granting them the opportunity to pursue a portion of their studies at the Danish university.
Reflecting on her unforgettable encounter with Queen Mary, Parada expressed her initial apprehension swiftly dissolved upon meeting Her Majesty. “I was slightly nervous beforehand,” she admitted. “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 signifies the realization of a longstanding aspiration. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, her determination remained unwavering. “I’d always had this dream of studying abroad,” she recalled. “But as I started University, COVID was shutting the world down… I didn’t see how it could ever happen, but I just kept looking for opportunities.”
The Crown Princess Mary Scholarship, open to Australian Bachelor’s and Master’s level students across all fields of study at the University of Copenhagen, offers recipients DKK 10,000 (approximately $2100) towards their studies in Denmark.
During her tenure at the University of Copenhagen, Parada, currently pursuing a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, is undertaking a research project exploring the correlation between an individual’s metabolic profile and long-term weight loss maintenance. Describing her experience as transformative, she emphasized the invaluable amalgamation of skills acquired during her undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Beyond academia, Parada has immersed herself in Denmark’s rich cultural tapestry, relishing in culinary delights such as the renowned cinnamon scrolls while embracing the Danish concept of “hygge.”
Driven by her passion for food and her profound interest in health and science, Parada envisions a future as a clinical dietician, with the prospect of pursuing a PhD looming on the horizon. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “Anything is possible. I thought I might never study abroad and a few years later, here I am trying to figure out what you talk about when you meet a queen. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m very grateful to Her Majesty Queen Mary, the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Sydney for this incredible opportunity.”
