About Me: My Story 

From the age of 7, I lived with my nan in kinship care, she was one of the biggest influences in my life. She made sure I spelled every word correctly at the dinner table (whether I liked it or not) and she cared deeply about my education. She took me on trips to Queensland, got me ready for school each morning and showed me what love and consistency looked like. Another huge influence was my sister. We entered foster care together and I’m so grateful we were always kept together, she was my anchor and my support system.
 

From a very young age, i realised I wanted something different for myself. To become someone in life and make an impact, be a leader and help others. I was vice captain of my school house in Year 6 and I think that’s where the leadership spark really ignited. I didn’t have role models to look up to throughout my primary years, other than the image I created in my head of my future self. I was determined to get there and achieve that. Throughout my time in care of 10 years, I lived with over 20 families and had at least 7 different case workers. These constant transitions taught me resilience, empathy and adaptability, values that now shape the way I work with others.
 

At 16, I lived in a supported accommodation complex for young people with a care experience. I was appointed as a peer role model and helped others transition to independent living from foster care, supporting them with everything from cooking and job applications to school assignments and life advice. All while attending Year 11 and 12 and having a casual job. With the encouragement of my nan, I applied to university, the first in my family to do so. She came with me to UTAS to help me enrol. Without her, I might not have believed I was capable. (She has attended every university graduation since). I packed up my life and moved to Launceston, not knowing a single person there, or what lay ahead. But I knew I was chasing something bigger.