This was just one of the questions he answered to become a successful recipient of a $21,000 annual university scholarship for the next five years.

Charles, 18, is currently a Year 12 student at All Saints’ College and is keen to study law and environmental science at The Australian National University (ANU) from 2019.

The scholarship will help Charles and the 24 other Tuckwell Scholarship recipients cover study costs and participate in a program of academic and social enrichment.

His success came following a grueling three-stage application process.

His initial form and resume, including his community and sporting achievements, was followed by an essay.

Finally, the 75 scholarship hopefuls were flown to ANU for three days where they were interviewed by a panel of people, including Graham and Louise Tuckwell.

“In the interviews he [Mr Tuckwell] was quite tough. A few people were quite traumatised,” Charles said.

He said being named as one of the scholarship recipients came as a surprise.

“I’ll use the $21,400 to put towards my accommodation and the rest I’ll put towards my text books,” Charles said.

“It’s opened up so many opportunities.”

Charles said the scholarship would mean he can truly focus on his degrees and not on also finding employment.

“Most people have to work three jobs while they go to uni,” he said.

Charles has long had an interest in environmental science, and said by the time he graduates, society would need people who understood policy and the environment.

He said he was yet to decide exactly where he wanted to work after his university studies.

“I’m keeping my options open. Hopefully I’ll sit the bar exam. I’m mightn’t be a barrister, but maybe I’ll go into the United Nations,” Charles said.

Mr Tuckwell said his vision for the scholarship program was to help talented and motivated students through their tertiary studies and inspire them to fulfil their potential and reinvest their knowledge, skills and experience in ways that positively benefit others.

“Each year we receive applications from hundreds of students all around Australia who are seeking support to receive the best education in the country at ANU,” he said.

“The Tuckwell Scholarship is designed to help students achieve their goals, and to also instil the values of education, determination and grit that are integral to success in life.”

The cohort for 2019 brings a diversity of skills and backgrounds.

There is an aspiring astronomer with a passion for mixed martial arts; an AFL player who balances her commitments as school captain with her local youth orchestra and swimming club; and a student who will have visited Tehran to participate in the International Biology Olympiad before even getting to ANU.

ANU vice chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC said the university community was richer for having such talented students from around Australia join the campus.

“Many of the 2019 Tuckwell Scholars come from regional Australia and their experiences add to the tapestry of student life at ANU,” he said.