High school students focus on the future

A focus on the future has been on the minds of 40 Indigenous students who took part in a camp held recently at The University of Queensland’s Gatton, Ipswich and St Lucia campuses.

The annual Which Way? It’s My Future camp aims to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students an insight into university life and the options available to them.

Year 11 student Tiarna Cutmore from Wynnum State High School has discovered an interest in studying a dual degree in law and business at UQ St Lucia.

“This is my second year doing the camp and it has really encouraged and motivated me, and helped in my decision about what to do once I finish school,” Ms Cutmore said.

The camp is open to students in years 8 – 12 and is an opportunity for them to build friendships with fellow Indigenous students.

“It has been great to meet so many new people that I know I will be friends with in the future,” Ms Cutmore said.

“All the sessions have been helpful and inspiring, and I will definitely come back next year,” she said.

As the camp takes place across three campuses, it allows the students to become familiar with university life through use of the Library, lecture theatres and eateries.

“I have found the campus facilities to be very modern and state-of-the-art, and I love how the students on the campus are so diverse and friendly,” Ms Cutmore said.

“The food is really good and although it has been quite cold, we've been very comfortable in our rooms with the heaters on,” she said.

The students stayed overnight on the Gatton Campus in the Halls of Residence and activities during the week included motivational talks and visiting the dairy facility, and students were informed on scholarships, programs and the role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

The camp is organised each year by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit. For more information contact Judy Dale on (07) 3365 6714 or on j.dale@uq.edu.au or visit http://www.atsis.uq.edu.au/.

Media: Judy Dale or Erin Pearl (UQ Gatton Marketing and Communications; 07 5460 1229 or e.pearl@uq.edu.au).