Loi Tran wanted to use his experiences as a young immigrant in Australia to support vulnerable people and the community by becoming a nurse. But life had other plans for him, and Loi is now turning his passion for helping others in a different direction.
As a 14-year-old, Loi left everything he knew in Vietnam and moved to Australia alone as a first-generation immigrant. Starting a new life here was far from easy, as he underwent a crash-course in the English language and Australian culture while navigating the usual challenges of adolescence. But even as a teenager, the independent spirit and determination to make a difference that would shape Loi’s later career and life decisions shone through as he developed ‘an unshakeable will for personal development’ and a deep commitment to helping others from a difficult background.
In 2021, Loi achieved a cherished goal and became a registered nurse. He celebrated another long-held aim in 2023 when he gained Australian citizenship. But life was about to throw him more challenges. In 2024, a life-threatening bout of sepsis led to the discovery of an incurable genetic heart condition, with ongoing and debilitating symptoms.
‘Developing sepsis and finding out about my heart condition was a life-changing turning point,’ Loi says.
‘The diagnosis meant I was no longer physically or mentally able to continue my nursing practice. But I’m deeply grateful for my time as a registered nurse. As a first-generation immigrant from a non-English speaking background, I understand the devastation of facing hardship without sufficient healthcare.’
Turning professional experience into a new way to give back
With nursing no longer possible, Loi set out to find new ways to serve his community.
‘I refuse to let these hardships define me,’ he says. Instead, he discovered a passion for accounting and enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University.
‘My professional experience across various healthcare and non-profit organisations sparked a genuine interest in business operations, specifically accounting,’ he says.
‘I view accounting as the universal language of business. It’s essential for ensuring organisations function effectively to serve the community. I decided to pivot my career, using my expertise to support others through back-line operations rather than being a frontline healthcare worker.
‘I hope I can use my experience, expertise and passion to keep contributing back to my community.’
Recognising community-minded ambition
Loi isn’t the only accountant with a passion for supporting the community. The team at Australian accounting firm Pitcher Partners has an ambitious target – for every hour worked, they aim to contribute $1 toward impactful community initiatives.
This includes a successful scholarship program in partnership with Deakin, now in its ninth year and having supported 17 students so far. The two Pitcher Partners scholarship programs support students within Deakin’s Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) program and are named in memory of Warren Galgut and Jeaneth Bautista – two late Pitcher Partners staff known for their efforts towards raising funds for causes like motor neuron disease awareness and underprivileged communities.
This year, Loi was named the 2026 recipient of the Pitcher Partners Warren Galgut Scholarship, an opportunity he describes as yet another life-changing event and one that acknowledges all his efforts to overcome the barriers he’s faced.
‘As a first-generation immigrant from a minority ethnic group with a non-English speaking background, and the first in my family to attend university, receiving this scholarship helps bridge the gap between my disadvantaged background and education and new educational and professional opportunities. It provides recognition and motivation to pursue my goals despite personal hardships and health challenges,’ he says.
More than financial support
‘I never expected my hard work to be recognised and supported in such a significant and honourable way,’ Loi shares.
‘Receiving this honour from one of the most prestigious accounting firms in Australia is a powerful validation from industry professionals of my commitment to lifelong development and my passion for accounting.
‘It’s made me more committed than ever to becoming a competent professional and a future Charted Accountant so I can use my experience and passion to help others and contribute back to the community in a meaningful, ethical and sustainable way.’
Loi believes that Pitcher Partners’ ‘commitment to recognising individuals from challenging backgrounds ensures everyone in our community has an equal opportunity for education and professional growth.’
He says other firms considering offering scholarships through Deakin should know that their support benefits recipients in ways that go beyond financial assistance.
‘While a scholarship is a crucial financial tool, it’s also a powerful way to validate a student’s hard work and dedication,’ he explains.
‘I view it as an honour that recognises a student’s resilience through unique challenges and hardships. I believe that providing scholarships to disadvantaged students is one of the most practical ways to make them feel truly supported during their academic journey. Ultimately, this investment not only nurtures the talents of the next generation but also contributes to building a better community for tomorrow.’
Learn more about the Deakin University Pitcher Partners Scholarship program.
Read more stories about how generosity fuels education, research and community impact at Deakin