Sue’s Story
I am a 47-year-old Aboriginal single mother. I grew up as a ward of the state, moving between families and attending over 16 different primary schools. I am very much connected to my culture with enormous respect for my elders and traditions. I speak my language fluently, which I am blessed to have been taught.
Moving from state to state growing up, it was extremely hard to establish long term friendships and connections with people. I always felt a little different to other kids, especially being so poor. One memory has always stuck with me, I never had a school bag or lunch box and always carried any belongings to school in plastic bags. Being a ward of the state meant I didn’t have the stability and safety of a childhood. There was so much domestic violence and alcohol related issues. Food was a constant concern as a child, never knowing where your next feed was coming from you took what you could get, sometimes resorting to stealing from the local shops. My health suffered due to this, as well as being admitted to hospital on various occasions with multiple issues. Due to the malnutrition, I was also diagnosed with anorexia.
I manage to fumble my way through primary school and high school. However, towards the end of high school saw a significant turning point for my education. I met and received an abundance of encouragement and support from two teachers. They believed in me and pushed me to complete my high school schooling. Without that support and encouragement (sometimes even food) I would not have passed Year 12.
My desire to attend university has always been a dream, but that’s all it has ever been until I came across Federation University. I went onto their website and was astonished at how much support there was for someone like me, especially with major disability and health issues. My application to the Bachelor of Social Science course was successful. I sometimes still pinch myself today when I hear myself say out a loud “I’m a university student”.
Since starting at Federation University I have been well supported, especially from my lecturers, tutors and more importantly the Care Leaver Coordinator from the Raising Expectations project, Pearl. This has been critical when I have felt lost, stressed, shamed and alone and has impacted my mental health enormously. For safety reasons, I don’t have any friends or family and spend a lot of time alone. Pearl’s support has meant I could keep going with my studies, which I now class as my saviour. My university life has saved me in more ways than one and my outlook on life is much brighter and positive. I have something which I absolutely love with an abundance of passion and desire to succeed.
Without the ongoing support from Pearl and Raising Expectations, I’m not sure if I could continue my studies. The impact has been so overwhelmingly positive. This program I feel is necessary and vital for those minority students who came from out-of-home care, ward of the state or foster care. We are a unique bunch but equal to every other student with the right to succeed in our studies.
Finally, a very big thank you to my current supports from Federation University, you all know who you are, Disability section, Lecturers, Tutors, Raising Expectation Program and administration staff.