Determined to Succeed.
When asked why they chose the University of New England Yorta Yorta / Kurnai person Shaz Shea said, “I wanted to go to a university that was away from the city so that city life didn’t overwhelm my studies. I looked in New South Wales, soon enough my application was approved by UNE, and I accepted their offer. Actually I was shocked as I never thought this would happen, a bit like a dream!”.
Shaz (they/them) says “It was scary moving from a city like Melbourne to the middle of nowhere and more importantly moving away from family. I chose a rural area because I hoped that I would find a community and I have. I have made a lot of friends that just feels like a family.
Undertaking the TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre, Shaz was at first nervous, “I didn’t think I would have the grades for university. However, the TRACKS course has opened my eyes to the way university works. I have received guidance and encouragement from Oorala staff members, particularly Kate Carter the program co-odinator. I cannot express how much of a relief that is and how it has enabled me to overcome my anxiety”.
The Oorala Student Experience team helped Shaz apply for multiple scholarships. Shaz was successful and their first scholarship the Oorala Wellbeing Scholarship helped with the initial cost of moving to Armidale. Shaz is also the recipient of two Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships. The Education Costs Scholarship has been extremely helpful in getting a laptop and much needed textbooks. Shaz says, “One scholarship to help me in my studies and the Accommodation Scholarship relieves the stress about the rental cost of living in college”.
Motivated by childhood ill health and the encouragement of family led Shaz to university. “I was in hospital a lot as a kid which I believe started my curiosity in the medical field, where I aspire to work. I am not exactly sure as what. My mum was a nurse and she use to teach me about the human body. I was fascinated!”. Shaz expressed “In the future I want to be able to help people, particularly Indigenous communities”.
