1 2016 - 2017 Have you got what it takes? Top 10 tips to bring success – and the10 things that hold you back! 6 Shelly confirms: “My boyfriend ‘marking criteria’ helped me achieve my life goals!”

14 Financial survival It’s never too soon guide for students! to start planning Now eligible NZ citizens can 18 your career! get HECS - HELP too! Where to start and how... EDITOR’S BLOG

What’s inside this issue…

1 Have you got what it takes?

2 Learning to fly

4 First Nation students hitting the books

6 Shelly sets sail for success

8 What’s it like at uni?

10 Sleeping Beauty & other stories

This Griffiti edition features stories from students who attended 12 Why ‘go back to where you came from’ hurts your high schools and who have strived to overcome events, circumstances and experiences that challenge them. 14 Show me the money We want their stories to inspire you to be the best you can be and 16 Beenleigh brothers kicking goals to have a rich and fulfilling life and career. 18 Career planning – where to start Griffiti also contains information and web links on choosing careers and managing your money wisely to help you over hurdles and get you started. 20 Six siblings stride to school

What are you waiting for? Get reading and our Griffith Uni-Reach 22 Vox Box goes global mentors will catch up with you at school soon … 24 Where are they now? Jo Merley 26 Give and get respect and the Student Equity Services team 28 Dear Guidance Officer

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which ‘Every survival kit should you can use to change the world.’ include a sense of humour.’ Nelson Mandela Anonymous

Ten ways to be successful in life Ten ways to be unsuccessful in life

1. Set goals and develop 1. Never plan anything EDITOR’S BLOG a five year plan

2. Be open to new ideas 2. Think you know everything

3. Love learning 3. Switch off in class

4. Read and write every 4. Make Facebook and day of your life Instagram your life

5. Discuss ideas 5. Gossip about people you know !

6. Encourage your friends 6. Criticise everybody and peers

7. B e l i eve FAIL stands for 7. Give up if you fail at something ‘First attempt is learning’

8 Accept responsibility 8. Blame someone else for for mistakes your mistakes

9. Be grateful for and seek 9. Believe the world owes you help from others

10. Forgive others because 10. Hold a grudge forever no-one is perfect

1 LEARNING T FLY

Sometimes we need to be ‘rescued’“ when we fall but learning to fly helps us to save ourselves!” Do our survey to find out if you’re developing the self-help skills you need to navigate life successfully without falling in a heap at the first hurdle.

1 Your boyfriend/girlfriend breaks up 4 You don’t get the part you want in the with you, do you: school play, do you:

a ) Think your life is over. a ) Resign from the drama club.

b ) Ask your mum to make them get back with you. b ) Give up on your dream of being a movie star.

c ) Change your status on Facebook and wait... c ) Resolve to be the best ‘tree’ in the play so you get a better part next time. d ) Make a list of enjoyable ways to spend your extra free time. d ) Get your big brother to convince the play director to give you a leading role.

2 You fail an assignment, do you: 5 You don’t make the school athletics team a ) Ask for feedback and try much harder in the this year, do you: next assignment. a ) Trip up one of the team in the hope you’ll get reinstated. b ) Get your mum to talk to your teacher. b ) Go and eat all the junk food you can find until you c ) Cry. make yourself sick. d ) Give up taking that subject. c ) Ask your dad to have a quiet word with the coach...

d ) Still attend training and support the team at every game.

3 3. You don’t have money for school lunches, do you:

a ) Stay hungry all day. 6 You miss the school bus, do you:

b ) Get up earlier and make sandwiches. a ) Run all the way to school so you still make the bell.

c ) Borrow money from friends. b ) Go to the shopping centre and hang out.

d ) Wait for friends to give you their leftovers. c ) Phone home and get a lift to school.

d ) Hide in the park all day.

2 Circle your answers then add up your scores by checking the table below:

1 point answers 2 point answers 3 point answers 4 point answers

1. a) 2. c) 3. a) 1. b) 2. b) 3. c) 1. c) 2. d) 3. d) 1. d) 2. a) 3. b)

4. b) 5. b) 6. d) 4. d) 5. c) 6. b) 4. a) 5. a) 6. c) 4. c) 5. d) 6. a)

6 - 8 = Negative Nelly/Nabil: 9 -14 = Dependent Dan /Danika: Hmmm you need to get some perspective in your life. Next It’s great you have family and friends you can depend on but time you have to face a bad situation ask yourself if it’s life don’t treat them as a life raft. One day they may need to depend threatening. If it’s not, take control of your catastrophising on you and you need to prepare for that challenge. Being able to impulses and come up with a plan. A plan is a pathway to a new negotiate situations yourself is part of the growing independence beginning that starts with challenging negative beliefs. If you that adulthood brings. Try saying ‘I’ll figure it out’ (and follow can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel it may be time to get through) next time someone comes to rescue you. If you make a some professional help. See the self-help and counselling options mistake treat it as a learning curve and persevere until you solve on this page. the problem.

15 -19 = Survivor Samara/Sam: 20 -24 = Resilient Ruby/Raoul: Your survival strategy is to avoid situations that take you out of Your positive attitude and strong character will increase your your comfort zone. You would improve your opportunities in life opportunities for success in life. Use your good fortune wisely by tackling obstacles instead of stepping aside to avoid having and be a role model. Develop your problem solving skills further to negotiate a positive outcome. Have faith in your ability to find by offering support to others. solutions to problems and act on them. Take three deep breaths and focus on a realistic plan. “BECOME MORE RESILIENT BY TAKING TIME TO REFLECT ON AN ISSUE BEFORE REACTING”

story of strength

Dunya Ravikumaran met a boy at university and fell in love. convenor at university to create an academic plan to get her Sadly after a short relationship he broke up with her. Dunya back stopped studying, stayed on Facebook all night and watched on track. Bollywood movies in lectures. She failed three of her courses. Dunya also made an appointment with a counsellor at the Dunya then tapped into the resilience skills she had developed university to work on her emotional well-being. Dunya is at high school (to overcome bullying and through studying in a now 21 and in her third year at university studying Bachelor second language). She made an appointment with her course of Multimedia.

If you are experiencing tough times talk to an adult you can trust. See a school guidance officer, or contact an organisation listed below.

• Kidshelp.com.au 1800 55 18 00

• Youth Helpline 1300 13 17 19

• Beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 46 36

Ask for help to support your wellbeing in:

• Learning

• Relationships

• Mental health issues (including depression, eating disorders, and self-harm)

• Personal identity

• Goal setting and motivation

• Being independent

3 FIRST NATION STUDENTS HITTING THE BOOKS GUMURRII is the Griffith University unit supporting Indigenous (First Nation) students

Northern Territory Tracker Girl – Keely Lobenwein 19, B. Psychology

Cyclone Tracy chased Dad away from Darwin when it hit on Christmas Day 1974. He ended up a 1000 km south in Nhulunbuy, the tiny town where I was born. Dad met Mum when she moved from Broome to work as a nurse in the local hospital.

I’m the second eldest of five children and there was pressure on me to achieve after my oldest sister left school and struggled to get permanent employment. Mum didn’t want us ending up as drop kicks hanging around town so she became our school truant officer. She’d send me a text if I was even two minutes late for school because she could watch the school attendance roll on her computer.

Tame teenager Mum was strict so I was pretty tame as a teenager. I was never allowed to do much or go anywhere so I channelled my energy working in an after-school child care centre. Initially I thought I’d be a teacher. Next I started work experience in a cafe, got a certificate in hospitality and decided I’d be a chef. I changed my mind though when my employer wanted me to drop out of school in Year 10 and start my apprenticeship right away.

When I picked up a psychology subject in senior school I didn’t even know what psychology was! I really enjoyed it though and started thinking about doing it at university. I love uni and have decided to stay on and do an honours degree and a master’s degree to become a clinical psychologist. In the uni holidays I get paid to do an Indigenous Internship Program in Melbourne. Career Trackers arranged it and they pay for my air fares. All I have to pay is $100 a week for my food and board in college accommodation.

Moving down to the Gold Coast by myself was the most exciting KEELY, LUKE & MORGAN ARE thing that ever happened to me in my whole life. I passed my driving test in the before I moved here but it didn’t prepare ALL UNI-REACH MENTORS me for driving in a city. I had never used traffic lights until I came here. Nhulunbuy did get some once but no one knew what they were They came from the red desert for so they got rid of them after six months. of the outback, the bush of Diabetes diagnosed and a beachside Most First Nation people from my home town are Yolgnu but we have Torres Strait heritage from Dad. We also get diabetes from suburb – vastly different beginnings Dad’s side. I was diagnosed in Year 8 and had to have a term off school while I learned how to manage my condition by diet and in this arid land; but three things exercise. I became really sick in my second semester of uni and had bind them. They are First Nation to go on constant injections to lower my blood sugar. I wouldn’t have got through without the GUMURRII (SSU). They arranged for me to people and they all are bonded have extra ITAS* tutoring, deferred my exams and supported me through everything. as family at the GUMURRII, Student Support Unit (SSU) Griffith University. *ITAS (Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme) ITAS is an academic support initiative of the Prime Minister & Cabinet, which aims to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous Australian students.

4 Beachside Surfy Chick – Morgan St. Clair 26, B. Criminology & Criminal Justice

Adopted at birth When I was six Mum told me I was Aboriginal and adopted. She adopted me at 48 raising me as an only child when her four biological children were adults. My Indigenous birth mother contacted Mum wanting to meet me but I was too scared. Growing up all the images of Aboriginal people were very negative and I rejected my Bundjalung heritage until I was much older (and wiser!).

Dementia diagnosis Mum and I were insanely close until I was 15 and she got dementia. I couldn’t deal with her diagnosis so I detached myself. Very soon I was living alone, binge drinking and keeping the wrong sort of friends. I rarely went to school and eventually moved away from the Sunshine Coast and headed down to the Goldy. I had no ambitions for my future and was drifting.

Maddie and Alfie saved me I wouldn’t be at uni now if I hadn’t met Maddie Kahn and Alfie Summers. I’d started a Youth Work Certificate at TAFE and they were Indigenous support workers attached to the program. Maddie took me under her wing and helped me explore my Aboriginal heritage. Alfie helped me work out what I wanted to do in life, firstly through taking an aptitude test and then finding me a retail traineeship. Ultimately, the traineeship showed me what I didn’t want to do but it Tasmanian Bush Boy – got me thinking about what really interested me. Luke Vanderfeen 22, B. Exercise Science I did the Hands Up program at the GUMURRII Centre when I first came to uni. Through this I have established strong friendships and filled the unspoken void. They’re my family without being family. Discovering I was an Aborigine! We always had an idea we were Aboriginal because Pop is pretty Uni is amazing now I’ve got the hang of the time management and dark. Mum started researching it and discovered we were Palawa I have direction in life. I think I’ll end up working in child protection people from central Tasmania. I went to talk to some elders at the or youth justice but I’m keeping my options open. I do volunteer work Aboriginal Centre and they made me feel like I really belonged. It for Multicultural Families working at a homework centre for refugee made me proud to be able to relate to Aboriginal culture and know children and AIME#. I also have paid jobs with the Uni-Reach where I’d come from. Program and a karaoke bar in Surfers Paradise. I wasn’t too focussed at school. My report would say things like ‘Luke could be outstanding if he applied himself’. My focus was playing Martial arts helps me bounce back AFL and my other passion was Motocross. At one point I wanted to I have strategies now for getting over things. For example, last year a be an architect but as no one in my family had ever been to uni I boyfriend broke up with me. Instead of wallowing in misery I joined wasn’t serious about it. Instead I signed up to do a VET program with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and started to train. a view to getting a trade. I got my general construction certificates 1 and 2 and was awarded VET Student of the Year at the end of Year 12. Unfortunately, that’s when the construction industry dried up in Tasmania and there weren’t any apprenticeships offered. I felt like I’d wasted high school as I couldn’t get a trade and I didn’t have the marks to go to uni either.

Sports injury Disaster struck again during a motocross event when I crashed and did my knee in. I couldn’t work and I couldn’t play AFL either so I was pretty miserable. I had a lot of physio and did research to learn about preventing future injuries and how to heal. Physio was pretty interesting and I thought maybe I could try and study it. I enrolled in a university bridging course and started studying by distance.

Tassie to Surfers I went from living in the Tasmanian bush with no internet and no night life, to the night clubs of Surfers Paradise and theme parks in a period of two weeks, when I was accepted at Griffith University. It was a huge adjustment. It was all pretty strange but I knew it was the right decision as I felt happier. #AIME (Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience) GUMURRII introduced me to new people including Keely and Morgan. GUMURRII always support me in every way, social and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: academic. When I started studying I was happy to pass but now I GRIFFITH.EDU.AU/GUMURRII-STUDENT-SUPPORT-UNIT exert myself as my dream is to be a physiotherapist at an elite level in sport. I may even consider moving into Medicine.

5 SHELLY SETS SAIL FOR SUCCESS

Success High school drop-outs

Nursing graduate Shelly Allatt beams brightly at me as she ‘I remember seeing kids from “normal” homes doing things like considers her success. ‘I was kept down in Year 1 as I hadn’t made dropping out of school or getting pregnant and ending up alone. any friends and didn’t really talk to people.’ Now Shelly has a Even today some of them still don’t have jobs.’ Shelly says she degree in nursing and is considering doing further study to become devised her boyfriend criteria because she wanted and deserved an orthopaedic surgeon. better. She and Peter plan to travel with their degrees and work in other countries. Tragedy Tough life made me strong Southport SHS offered Shelly the opportunity to repeat Year 12 when her mum died in sudden and tragic circumstances. Alone Shelly credits her determination to get a stable job and be a home with no relatives except a brother in a band, Shelly was taken in owner to not having experienced those things in her home life as a by a school friend’s parents and kept going at school. ‘I tried really child. ‘If I’d had rich parents maybe I’d have turned out different. I hard but was struggling’ she admits. ‘Uni-Reach helped me get my might have taken things for granted, not thought about other people place at university’. and been like “these are my new shoes”, “this is the car my dad bought me”. I would hate to be that type of person.’ Romance It’s no surprise Shelly wants to be an orthopaedic surgeon. She broke Shelly met Peter when they started their first nursing lecture together. her leg escaping an oncoming car in Year 11 which motivated her to ‘I was attracted to him straight away because he had floppy hair like want to fix bones. mine’ she laughs. She had to be convinced he ticked all the items on her ‘boyfriend criteria’ though before she would consider embarking on a relationship with him.

Shelly wrote the list in high school when she decided what she wanted her future to look like. Her mum had struggled raising Shelly and her brother alone and Shelly knew her home life was vastly different to those of her friends. ‘They had clean, tidy houses, the parents were motivated and they spent heaps of time together as a family. They cooked lovely big meals… We didn’t have much money so we didn’t go out and do much.’

Shelly’s boyfriend marking criteria √√ Career-oriented √√ Must like both cats and dogs √√ Romantic √√ Participates in same things as me, such as volunteering √√ Willing to help others

√√ Must have a driver’s licence √√ Someone who cares about me

√√ Must have a car √√ Wants to own a house one day

√√ Dresses well

6 SET THREE SAILS TO STAY ON COURSE IN STORMY SEAS!

SEEK SET LIFE SUPPORT PURPOSE SELF FROM HELP OTHERS

CAREER FINANCIAL GOALS FRIENDS E.G. OWNING RELATIONSHIP HOME FAMILY EXERCISE

INTERESTS WELLBEING GUIDANCE OFFICER ENOUGH SLEEP

TRAVEL HELPING OTHERS HEALTHY FOOD GP / HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FUN

TEACHERS MEDITATION

7 WHAT’S IT LIKE AT UNI?

‘I MEET SO MANY NEW PEOPLE…’

• I’ve met students from everywhere.

• The Toga Party was amaaaazing!

• It was scary going into my first lecture but now it’s pretty cool.

• I joined the Anime Club.

• I’m on the soccer team representing Griffith at the Uni Games in Sydney.

8 ‘I HAVE TO BE SO INDEPENDENT…’

• I moved out of home and into a share house.

• I have to budget, shop, cook and clean up after house parties.

• I have a part-time job at Macca’s and also work as a Uni-Reach mentor.

• I enrol for courses (subjects) online.

• I manage my own timetable and study schedule.

‘IT CHALLENGES MY IDEAS ABOUT EVERYTHING…’

• Lectures provide the theory and tutorials are for discussion and activities.

• It’s fascinating discussing global issues from so many perspectives.

• Understanding cultural difference makes me a better communicator.

• The more I read the better I write, the more I listen the more I learn.

• How you look and dress, your age, accent or disability don’t matter.

‘IT’S PREPARING ME FOR MY FUTURE CAREER…’

• My degree is layered so I’ll have the theory and skills by the end of it.

• Career planning starts by learning how to build on your resume.

• I’ve done a student exchange overseas to get some international experience.

• I’m doing an internship as part of my degree.

• I have an industry mentor who is helping me build a career network.

Learn more of what to expect at uni, as well as an introduction to academic reading, writing, digital literacy and online learning at: whats-uni-like.edu.au

9 SLEEPING BEAUTY

Invisible illness means a daily struggle with pain or suffering on the inside while appearing and looking fine on the outside.

Our story of Sleeping Beauty is about a boy with a rare sleeping sickness. It began a long, long time ago …

The Kokoda challenge was always going to be tough but by 2009 Nick Barnes believed he was ready. Until Swine Flu H1N1 struck and within days this strapping Year 11 Nerang SHS leader was in hospital struggling for survival. The swine flu caused acute inflammation of the brain, a condition called encephalitis which often results in death.

Nick fought back from the brink and left hospital insisting he be taken to walk the last 100m of the Kokoda trail, so he could cross the finish line with his team-mates.

But Nick had changed. Periods of erratic behaviour followed; aggressive outbursts, manic episodes and weeks when he was barely awake. When he started walking out of school, running away from home and sleeping incessantly, his mum bundled him in the car and drove back to the hospital.

Nick’s mother Leanne was told, ‘Your son has Kleine–Levin syndrome, the “Sleeping Beauty syndrome” a rare sleep disorder characterized by recurring periods of excessive amounts of sleep, altered behaviour and mood changes.’

Nick was angry and confused ‘Why do I have to get it? Why me?’ he yelled at his doctor. ‘I don’t have any future now!’ he howled at his mother. Only awake for four hours a day for up to 15 days, it seemed he was right.

Nick’s friends however were determined that he didn’t give up on life. They visited him in hospital during term time to help with assignments and over Christmas to revive his spirits. When he came soon to travel to England, Ireland and Scotland. He confides that one back to school, they defended him against people who thought there day he hopes to marry her. He just wants to be sure he isn’t going to was nothing wrong with him because he looked the same. fall asleep at the altar…

A counsellor helped Nick accept his condition and prepare for university. He could still have a future but he would need to learn to manage his illness and get support when it struck. At university, the disability officer organised assignment extensions, deferred exams There are many forms of invisible and academic support in times of illness. illness: Anxiety; Depression; Bipolar; Stress was a trigger for his illness, so Nick practised mindfulness Crohn’s; Lupus; Fibromyalgia; MS; meditation to keep it at bay and had regular counselling sessions. Cancer; Epilepsy; Autism; Diabetes and Exercise helped so Nick played soccer and other sport. Juvenile onset arthritis to name a few. He graduated from university with a Bachelor of Urban & Environmental Planning (First Class Honours) and now has a full-time Be aware that the person you job as a transport planner. are walking and talking with may Nick told his employer about his illness at the interview. ‘I said “I be managing a serious health have a condition, this is what it is, this is how it affects me, this is how it will affect you; I will get sick but I can still do the work.”’ condition which impacts on their life He got the job. and wellbeing. In the real story of Sleeping Beauty, the princess is awoken with a kiss. In Nick’s story the princess woke him. Nick and Heather are

10 DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

“To meet me you would never have guessed, which is a scary thought...how many other people are just as good at hiding it?

Australia’s population is now 24 I was having panic attacks nearly million. Every single year one every day over ridiculous things like million suffer from depression, taking a wrong turn or forgetting to and two million from anxiety. buy something at the shops. One in four Australians aged My heart would start beating at a 16 to 24 experience a mental hundred miles an hour, I wouldn’t health disorder. be able to breathe and I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking.

When I eventually calmed, I’d break down and cry at the absolute Seek professional help from your school powerlessness I had over my own mind and body. I felt nauseous all guidance officer, community organisations and the time and I lost ten kilos in the space of six months. I tried to avoid any people or situations that presented pressure in fear it would university support services: happen around them and I would embarrass myself. • beyondblue.org.au I left university because I wasn’t coping. I would also lash out • kidshelp.com.au unfairly at people I loved purely because they couldn’t understand • Griffith University Disabilities Service how much I was hurting inside. Before I eventually sought help I 37357470 never considered myself to have anxiety or depression. After all I wasn’t self-harming or having suicidal thoughts and that’s what I’d [email protected] always assumed depression was”. (Former Griffith student at: auroradreaming.net/blog)

11 WHY “Go back to where you came from!” HURTS

No matter which country these students come from they talk about fear. Fear of leaving the house to go to school, to the doctor or to the shops. The fear that saying goodbye to your family when you walk out of the door may be the last time you ever speak to them. Now they talk about feeling safe.

WHY DID YOU LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY OF BIRTH?

Leaving Myanmar Definitions: After the 2006 uprising, we knew never to talk about anything political outside the house but girls were often taken and … hurt. It was very emotional leaving, I cried all the way to India. It was nine Refugee: A refugee is someone who has years before I saw my parents again. (Kim) been forced to flee their country because of persecution, war or violence. Leaving On Saddam’s birthday the American soldiers were roaming the streets rifles ready. My friend kept birds on the roof of his house. Asylum seeker: An asylum seeker is someone He loved his birds and waved to them as he brought their food. claiming protection whose claim for refugee The US soldiers thought he was sending a signal and shot him dead. status has not yet been assessed. He was only 15. (amnesty.org.au/refugees) Once electricity was cut the heat was unbearable so our neighbours slept in the yard. A bomb dropped killing the sleeping children and seriously injuring their mother who was pregnant. My dad said we have to go; next time it could be us. (Luma)

Leaving Afghanistan The Taliban came for my father. My dad wasn’t home so they waited outside. My mother left by the back door in the dark of night to go and warn him. Another time I wandered off by myself in Kandahar and got lost. My parent’s friend found me. He slapped me hard saying ‘In this place you can die just like that!’ (Mehdi)

Leaving DR Congo The civil war started before I was born. I remember being six and running in from the garden when the shooting started. We all hid under the bed and stayed silent. My six siblings, my mother and I walked for a week to safety. I got very sick and my whole body ached. (Nana)

Leaving Iraq There were lots of kidnappings in Abu Ghraib and families would have to pay ransom. If someone knocked at our door my father would go to one side of the yard with a Kalashnikov and my older brother would go to the other side of the yard with his. I would then be sent to answer the door. Three of my father’s brothers went missing and they’ve never been found. (Ghaith)

WHAT’S IT LIKE LIVING IN ?

Everyone told us if we went to an English speaking country we would experience racism and discrimination. Everything they told us was a lie. It’s the first time I’ve felt comfortable and a sense of belonging. My interests are more western now. I love reading fantasy novels, comic books, Anime and Manga. (Lina)

I was not the only one who was different at Woodridge SHS; that was something we were very proud of. I want my parents to see that I’ve wasted no time or opportunity to achieve and become a stronger person. (Kim)

12 WHY “Go back to where you came from!” HURTS

I was excited but worried if we could be part of Australian culture. My first year was unsettled but once I’d learnt English, Gold Coast felt like home. (Luma)

Most Australians have really, really good personalities and attitudes, so if I met someone I would convince my parents it was a good thing to marry her! (Mehdi)

Glad I came. So happy on 18 August 2009, at 10:35am when they stamped me in at Airport! (Ghaith)

In the Congo it’s a sign of disrespect to make direct eye contact with your parent so it was hard adjusting to a new communication style in Australia and persuading my mum to accept it! (Nana)

WHAT CULTURAL TRADITIONS DO YOU WANT TO KEEP?

I still agree with the tradition that your parents should find a really good person to be your wife. I think that’s better than finding someone yourself, falling in love and then finding you’ve made the wrong choice and getting your heart broken. (Bes)

Some people say, ‘You’re living in Australia so you should wear our clothes’. I say ‘In Australia I can practise my right to wear whatever I want!’ I don’t like it when people make the wrong assumption that because I wear a hijab I have to follow my father or husband blindly. (Luma)

If a person is older than me I should show respect to them. I feel very sorry for teachers here. (Nana)

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ENROL AT UNIVERSITY?

I remember in Uganda we would watch the other children walking to school and my mum couldn’t afford to send us. I vowed then I would get educated and become an independent woman. My legal teacher at Sunnybank SHS encouraged me. I was passionate about the subject and she believed in me although I doubted my English ability. (Nana - B. Law/ B. Politics, Government and International Relations)

In the beginning I never thought about going to uni. Then I heard about Uni-Reach and I thought ‘It’s designed for me! I can’t lose this opportunity. I have to give it my best shot.’ (Kim – B. Business, Human Resource Management & Management)

In high school I did graphics and it made me want to be an architect. I just like houses, the bigger the better! (Bes – B. Architecture)

Ever since I was a kid my family called me ‘the doctor’! I’m thinking of becoming a diabetes researcher. I’m finishing Health Science now and after graduating I might do a medical research degree. (Lina –B. Health Science)

I needed a back-up plan if I didn’t make it as a soccer player. Now I’m going to be a physiotherapist for a football team. (Mehdi – B. Exercise Science)

My mum inspires me. She always reminds me of all the good stuff about Australia and why we’re here. She says ‘We came here for you, so don’t you let us down!’ (Ghaith – B. Civil Engineering)

13 SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Getting a degree from a university can score you a high earning graduate job. Being financially savvy leads to financial security and maybe your home ownership dream coming true…

What is a HECS-HELP loan? HOW STUDENTS It’s an interest free loan to pay for the tuition cost of going to uni! MAKE IT! The HECS-HELP loan allows students who are Australian citizens, eligible New Zealand citizens and permanent humanitarian visa 1. Apply for Youth Allowance – (Financial help for full time students holders to only repay the loan when their earnings reach the aged 16 to 24). Check your entitlements at: humanservices.gov. repayment level ($54,126 in 2016.) The current repayment level on au/customer/services/centrelink/youth-allowance. the median graduate salary of $52,500 would be about $2,080 per year, about $40 per week. 2. Apply for scholarships – free money to eligible students! Check your eligibility for Griffith University scholarships Source: Mapping Australia’s Higher Education, Grattan Institute. including those for students from low income families at: griffith.edu.au/scholarships.

3. Get a part-time job – learn valuable workplace skills and earn some cash. Student Loans for New Zealand Citizens in Australia 4. Get a babysitting gig – you’ll get paid to watch TV.

5. Advertise yourself as a dog walker – you’ll get fit too!

6. Check your university careers service online for jobs on campus. News flash! Recent changes by the Australian goverment give access to HECS-HELP for New Zealand citizens who meet the 7. Start your own website – see the filmThe Social Network eligibility criteria. Check out studyassist.gov.au and search for for ideas. information for NZ citizens. 8. Sell unwanted CDs, games and movies, recycle everything and unclutter your room

14 HOW STUDENTS HOW STUDENTS SAVE IT! KEEP IT!

1. Know what money you’ve got and track where it goes. Check 1. Ignore ads offering you ‘instant loans’. out this app at: moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/ calculators-and-apps/mobile-apps/trackmyspend. 2. Don’t get a credit card if you have trouble managing your money. 2. Get a piggy bank - loose change adds up. 3. Ask ‘Do I want it or need it’ before every purchase. Do 3. Use university bulk - billed medical services and low cost online activities to discover how money savvy you really are at: dental services. moneyminded.com.au

4. Use FREE personal and career counselling. 4. Spend less than you earn – don’t borrow and lose friends!

5. Join low cost gym on campus. 5. Return your library books on time – library fines at uni mean results are withheld. 6. Buy second hand textbooks. 6. Pay bills on time so you don’t ruin your credit rating or end 7. Take public transport to uni, cycle or walk - uni parking up in court! is expensive. 7. Never buy new if you can get just as good for less – clothes, 8. Take your own lunch to uni. furniture or bikes.

9. Watch out for advertised FREE food stalls from student 8. Don’t upgrade your phone if it locks you into crazy charges clubs & societies. for another year.

10. Use Health Card & student card to get discounts everywhere. 9. Plan your meals, buy in bulk, cook at the start of the week and freeze meals for week ahead.

10. Once you’re 18, apply to do a financial literacy course at: thesmithfamily.com.au/what-we-do/our-work/at-home/ saver-plus. You’ll gain up to $500 and learn to save money for your dream purchases.

15 BEENLEIGH BROTHERS KICKING GOALS

When Mehdi Akbari’s dream of playing professional football was when Rhamat turns 16 he will replay this match again. dashed he determined to help Rhamat his talented little brother to make the grade. Rhamat, 15, a Beenleigh SHS student is now Bes, 18, the middle brother also plays football but doesn’t have kicking goals for Brisbane Roar under 18’s and for the Australian the passion of his older and younger brother. ‘Everything involves national under 16 side.‘I knew Rhamat had potential and my football for Mehdi and Rhamat. They are always together cousins and I were behind him developing his abilities.’ watching football, training or playing FIFA on Xbox.’

Mehdi adapted his own goals to include a degree in Exercise Bes says a lot of Rhamat’s success is due to his confidence in his Science and eventually a masters degree in Physiotherapy so own ability. ‘If I’d had the same amount of training as Rhamat I he can be at Rhamat’s side throughout his football career. The could have been good too but I didn’t believe in myself so I didn’t brothers travelled together in 2014 for Rhamat to train with try’. He gazes out over the soccer field and adds ‘I wish I had’. Manchester City in England and Real Madrid in Spain. Rhamat has also played in Cambodia and Vietnam. The brothers began kicking a ball around on the rocky side of a mountain in front of their home in Afghanistan. This was before Rhamat’s success has involved Mehdi in many struggles. the Taliban came knocking at the door for their father. Their The battle he fought most recently was with his parents over terrified mother fled to with her four sons including Ramadan, traditionally a period of prayer and fasting for Rhamat, a new born. Their father escaped the Taliban but it was Muslims. ‘I argued with them for hours that Rhamat should not five years before the family were reunited in Australia. fast. Mehdi used the Koran’s teaching on taking care of the body to support his case. ‘If it’s harmful to the body don’t fast! Playing It was hard for the brothers to play football in Pakistan as there at a professional level and fasting would be harmful and he was only the street to play on. No grounds, no fields and no shouldn’t do it.’ Reluctantly his parents agreed but Mehdi knows dreams for the future, let alone one about football.

16 ‘When we arrived in Australia in 2009, it was the first time we had opportunities. I thought that I could play football as a career’ said Mehdi. In the school holidays the brothers would run to Eden’s Landing train station, catch the train to Beenleigh soccer field and play for hours in sweltering heat, perfecting their ball skills until darkness fell.

Rhamat credits his brother Mehdi for encouraging and seizing opportunities for him to further his football career. Mehdi is often thought to be Rhamat’s father as he takes him to every training session, game and media interview. ‘He’s like my guardian angel’ says Rhamat and intends to follow Mehdi into physiotherapy as a back-up plan should his football career falter. For now though he is aiming for the top of the league. He hopes to make the Australian team for the World Cup in 2018 and then to be signed up by Manchester United or Real Madrid.

With Mehdi on his team, he can’t lose!

Bes Akbari is a Griffith University student soon to transfer from an IT degree to Architecture. He dreams of designing his own house and owning a Nissan GTR R35. He still plays for the community football team his brothers formed ‘Eden’s Landing Football Academy’ (ELFA). Bes has trained to be a Uni-Reach mentor from 2016.

Mehdi Akbari will undertake master’s level study in physiotherapy from 2016. He played football for the Beenleigh team for three years before they were disbanded. Mehdi now plays and coaches ELFA. He has been a Uni-Reach mentor for Student Equity Services at Griffith University for three years. His ambitions for the future include getting a good wife; someone who loves football and plays FIFA.

17 CAREER PLANNING WHERE TO START IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER…

1: What type of work interests me?

͠͠ Working with people – advising/helping, caring/protecting or entertaining

͠͠ Working with things – practical/mechanical, science, technology or art/design

͠͠ Working with information – verbal, digital/visual or numerical (data, statistics)

͠͠ Working outdoors – nature, recreation, health, fitness

2: What am I good at?

͠͠ School subjects

͠͠ Hobbies and/ or sports

͠͠ Special skills e.g. debating, coaching

͠͠ Additional languages

3: What’s important to me in a job/career? This will often guide and influence the choices we make.

͠͠ Staying in the same city as my family

͠͠ Managing a health condition

͠͠ Taking into account my family circumstances

͠͠ How much I can potentially earn

͠͠ Type and amount of training/study required

͠͠ Other ______

4: How can I find out about careers that interest me?

͠͠ School guidance officer/teachers ͠͠ TAFE and university open days

͠͠ Careers websites – some listed in next section ͠͠ Other ______

͠͠ Family and friends

͠͠ Talking to people employed in the career

͠͠ Work experience

18 ͠͠ 5: Which websites will help me?

͠͠ myfuture.edu.au (browse videos of careers in action as well as career information and exploration)

͠͠ abc.net.au/acedayjobs (online videos about people who enjoy their work)

͠͠ australianapprenticeships.gov.au (quick and easy access to information about apprenticeships)

͠͠ jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au (detailed information on a range of occupations and their education and training pathways)

͠͠ joboutlook.gov.au (an easy alphabetical careers search with lots of employment information)

͠͠ griffith.edu.au/future-students (use the Degree Finder or browse by study area)

͠͠ Other ______

6: What are the study pathways to my dream job?

͠͠ TAFE

͠͠ Apprenticeship

͠͠ Traineeship

͠͠ Private training colleges

͠͠ University

͠͠ Other ______

7: What senior subjects must I study to meet current university requirements?

͠͠ Authority English (for all degrees at Griffith University)

͠͠ Maths (Engineering, Education and most science degrees; essential for many trades too)

͠͠ Science (Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics for most health related degrees)

͠͠ For degree requirements at Griffith and other universities, check out: qtac.edu.au

19 SIX SIBLINGS STRIDE TO SCHOOL

Maryam Bashar Lina Ghaith

Six siblings from the Jalloub family arrived as refugees from war torn Maryam (14) – Year 10 Student Iraq. Five of them, Laith, Ghaith, Pathway: Luma, Lina, Bashar are now Griffith • High School: Pacific Pines SHS University students. Maryam the • Selecting pre-requisite subjects in senior school youngest is at high school and • Will apply via QTAC - B Oral Health in Dental Science, Griffith University. shaping up to be the sixth in the family to study at Griffith University.

Bashar (19)

Pathway: • High School: Jordan, Keebra Park SHS, Pacific Pines SHS • Griffith College – Diploma of Engineering • B Civil Engineering - Griffith University.

20 PATHWAYS TO UNI

You can gain a place in your preferred university degree, even if you are unsuccessful in obtaining a place initially. Methods to upgrade into your desired degree are known as pathways.

A smart pathway will provide a foundation for your future studies. You could even complete your desired degree faster by gaining credit through your pathway studies.

Access and Equity

• *Uni-Reach – A Griffith University program to prepare Year 11 and Year 12 students to access and succeed in higher education: griffith.edu.au/student-equity- services/outreach-activities/uni-reach

• Uni-Start – An equity scholarship scheme for low income applicants: griffith.edu.au/scholarships/categories/ uni-start-scheme

• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander programs: griffith. edu.au/gumurrii-student-support-unit/programs/ direct-entry-scheme

• Educational Access Scheme (EAS) Apply for special consideration for circumstances which have disrupted your studies via your QTAC application: qtac.edu.au/ applications/application-resources/assistance- schemes/educational-access-scheme

• Bridging courses to meet maths and science pre-requisites: griffith.edu.au/griffith-sciences/future-students/ bridging-short-courses

What’s uni like?

Check out what uni is like and the many pathways to university study by registering for the free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) at: whats-uni-like.edu.au/ Luma Laith mylearning/dashboard/index

Lina (20) Luma (28)

Pathway: Pathway: • High Schools: Iraq, Jordan and Keebra Park SHS • High School: Iraq • Participation in the Uni-Reach Program • English Language Certificate levels 1-4 • Year 12 - OP high enough to gain entry into • Certificate 3 IT, Certificate 4 Multimedia, Diploma university (but not into degree of choice) Interactive Digital Media • Griffith College - Diploma Health Science • B Multimedia - Griffith University. • B Health Science – Griffith University.

Ghaith (24) Laith (29)

Pathway: Pathway: • High School: Iraq and Jordan • High School: Iraq • English Language Certificates 3 & 4 • English Language Certificate 3 & 4 • IELTS examination score of 6.5 • Diploma of Business • B Civil Engineering - Griffith University. • B International Business (Real Estate & Property Development).

21 Fabulous Exhilarating

STUDENT VOX EXCHANGE WAS BOX G ! O L Terrifying Interesting E S A G L O B

About International Student Exchange Program

An experience abroad will enrich and diversify your degree and your life. Most programs will earn credit towards your degree. The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) of the Australian Government’s Department of Education provides funding to support the participation of Australian undergraduate exchange students.

Check out these websites: STUDENTS TRAVEL • griffith.edu.au/international/global-mobility/outbound • aimoverseas.com.au • studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/helppayingmyfees/os-help_ WHILE THEY STUDY! overseas_study/pages/os-help-loans-and-study-overseas

Studying: B Law/B Criminology & Criminal Justice (4th year)

High school: Yeronga SHS

Uni Job: Uni-Reach Mentor

What were the travel highlights of your study exchange trip to Mexico? Visiting the refugee shelters and talking to the migrants about their plight and journey to the US. Some migrants crossing the Mexican border to the US were only 14 years old!

I went on a mock night walk crossing from the Mexico border into the US. It alerted me to the dangers Mexicans and Central Americans face; being caught and put into detention centres or caught by drug cartels and being human trafficked or even killed! Viola Adiyo The photo shows me climbing the Pyramid of Cholula, the highest pyramid in the world! I loved the National Palace with Diego Rivera murals and Frida Kahlo Museum too. Did the overseas students talk to you? What is it like studying in another country? They were so interested in Australia. They taught us Salsa dance Mexico is definitely different to Australia as class hierarchy is so and Mexican cooking. apparent in their education system. The students are so competitive and serious, especially the law students. What was the strangest thing that happened? A random Mexican guy kept shouting out he loved me and wanted How did you get the exchange opportunity / study trip? to marry me. It was weird. I’ve applied through AIM Overseas, a program offering short courses overseas for university students. I was interviewed and accepted into What was the best thing you ate during your overseas trip? the program. I loved the authentic Mexican tacos and ate them almost every day.

Did you get financial help from the uni or other organisation How much money did you have to save up yourself and to pay for the trip? how did you earn the money? I received an OS-HELP loan and a scholarship from Go Global, I saved $4000 for my flight and spending money by doing Griffith University. casual work for the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice and Uni–Reach. My mother also helped me!

22 What is it like studying in another country? Different expectations of students, things are a lot faster paced in the US.

How did you get the internship opportunity? Through Go Global, the international office at Griffith University.

Did you get financial help from the uni or other organisation to pay for the trip? I received Youth Allowance and a semester grant from Centrelink. I also received OS-HELP loans and a Griffith University grant of $3,300.

Did the overseas students talk to you? I lived with four Americans on campus and they became my family. Everyone was very curious about life in Australia. I convinced a few people that I owned a pet kangaroo! Aisling Brennan What helped you settle in? I joined the college radio station and newspaper and that helped me Studying: feel more comfortable being there. B Business/B Journalism, (4th year) What was the best thing you ate during your overseas trip? High School: Chicago deep-crust pizza which has a crust the size of a pie dish Elanora State High School and is filled with cheese. It’s a lot of fun to eat!

Uni Job: How much money did you have to save up yourself and Uni-Reach Mentor at Griffith University (former Uni-Key student*) how did you earn the money? I saved $6000 by working very hard at multiple jobs and putting What were your travel highlights on student exchange? almost everything I earned into my exchange savings account. Once New York for six months to study and six months as a work I saw the money grow, I realised I was going to have a wonderful experience intern at a newspaper. I also travelled in the US to: time overseas which encouraged me to save more. Seattle; Portland; San Francisco: Yosemite National Park; Las Vegas; The Grand Canyon; Los Angles; Boston; Washington D.C.; Indiana *Uni-Key is a support program offered to eligible first year students. You have a third year and Chicago and in Canada to Vancouver and Toronto! student helping you all year.

What is it like studying in another country? It’s an awesome learning and cultural experience and if you plan well you have time to travel to neighbouring countries.

How did you get the opportunity for your study trip? Ghent Law Summer School program application was on-line and open to Australian law students.

Did you get financial help from the uni or other organisation to pay for the trip? Unfortunately I was not provided with financial help because it was not organised through Griffith.

Did the overseas students talk to you? I spoke to students in Belgium. It was an awesome way to understand their lifestyle and European approaches on contemporary social issues.

What was the strangest thing that happened? Kiet Vo Seeing people use public open urinals at big festivals and then partaking in the experience myself.

What was the best thing you ate during your overseas trip? Studying: All you can eat ribs for 16 euros. B Law/B Arts (4th year) How much money did you have to save up yourself and High School: how did you earn the money? Glenala SHS The trip cost between $6,000 and $8,000 for a month including all my accommodation, meals and activities while travelling. Uni Job: All the money was earned through working or scholarship money Uni-Reach Mentor I had saved. What were the travel highlights of your study trip? In Dubai I went on a sand dune safari and rode a camel in my Arabian costume. Also ate at Burj Al Arab the iconic seven star Dubai hotel which cost $150 for a three hour buffet. The building was beautiful but the buffet very average considering it is a seven star hotel! Loved exploring Brussels, the capital city of Belgium too!

23 We tracked down Griffith Uni graduates who participated in our high school Uni-Reach Program to find out what they’re doing now.

Sarah Scarce (nee Blaubaum) –Social Justice Entrepreneur!

Schooldays: A determined Southport SHS student sponsored by Learning for Life, a Smith Family initiative.

Work: I am the co-founder of a social justice project called ‘The Aqua English Project’, and have worked with over 19,000 refugees and new arrivals to Australia.

Today: In Singapore, about to catch the plane to a conference in Penang, Malaysia where I am a guest speaker. It’s the first time I’m taking my one-year old daughter overseas!

How did you make it: Law and International Relations bachelor degrees and entering the Griffith Innovation Challenge. We won the competition twice for The Aqua English Project, which gave me the chance to work overseas in as an International Business Cadet for the Government Trade and Investment Office. I took every opportunity at uni and enjoyed the journey.

Relationship Status: Married for four years, together for eleven and have one year old daughter, Georgie.

Career view: Applying for a Future Leaders scholarship as my research and experience over the last ten years is drawing me to anthropology! Time to be a student again.

What do you want to be?

Five steps to find your dream job! 1. Consider what interests you, that you are also (or could be) good at. 2. Look at job advertisements to check essential qualifications and job demand. 3. Ask your school guidance officer for careers advice and contacts for work experience. 4. Ask family, friends and professionals for useful contacts and/or work experience. 5. Go to career fairs as well as university and TAFE open days.

24 Nick Andonovski - Mala Mistry - International Educator! Marketing Guru!

Schooldays: The nerdy geek of Southport Schooldays: High achieving School Captain at SHS with the super cool twin brother, Kosta. Beenleigh SHS involved in almost everything!

Work: Chung Dam English Academy, Seoul, Work: Working in advertising at a media agency Korea. I’m a history and English high school in Brisbane, including working on Griffith teacher. Uni’s advertising!

Today: On a flying trip to Australia to see my Today: Just returning from a business trip to Google twin and my parents. headquarters in Sydney.

How did you make it: How did you make it: B. Business/B. Journalism: B. Communications; Graduate Diploma in internship job as Uni-Reach mentor; four overseas Secondary Education experience trips paid for by uni (Vietnam, Cambodia and twice to Hong Kong!) and always going beyond my Relationship status: Don’t ask! comfort zone.

Career View: Maybe to make it big in the Relationship status: Single. pop music scene or just teach until I die! Career view: Working in media is not your typical workplace - everyday is so much fun and there are so many perks!

Useful websites: myfuture.edu.au qtac.edu.au griffith.edu.au/futurestudents

Why go to university? University graduates on average earn $2.9 million dollars over a life time while people who finished Year 11 or below earn $1.74 million. This equals to a $1.16 million dollar difference! Source: NATSEM calculation from 2009-10 Survey of Income and Housing Basic Confidentialised Unit Record

25 GIVE AND GET RESPECT!

What is a healthy relationship?

Relationships come in many shapes and sizes. They can be Sometimes relationships become unhealthy and this opposite sex, same sex, cross-cultural, casual or long term. may affect your ability to attend or succeed at school. The important thing is to have respect for yourself, that means Talk to a friend, a teacher, counsellor or school thinking about what you want and like, and also having respect guidance officer if a relationship or family situation is for the other person and understanding what they want and like. making you feel uncomfortable or frightened. 10 tips for healthy relationships Madeleine’s story …

1. Be curious and respectful about likes, dislikes, ‘Stay here with me’ his low voice a snarl as he dug his fingers in values and beliefs. Madeleine’s arm as she tried to board the bus. She wouldn’t get to school in time for her exam now… 2. Listen to each other – (work on 50% talk time each) Why did her boyfriend want to control her life? 3. Be open and truthful about what you’re thinking and feeling. Warning: Unhealthy relationships in young adult life can lead to controlling and violent relationships in 4. Ask what the other is thinking and feeling, don’t assume adult and family life. you know. Cherie’s story … 5. Own your mistakes don’t shift the blame on to the other person. Cherie’s eye felt pulpy to touch. Blood ran down her cheek and onto white paper. Her printed assignment was torn to 6. Respect each other’s ideas. shreds around her smashed computer on the floor. She raised herself up on shaking hands and staggered to the mirror to 7. Reflect on why you’re feeling or acting in a certain assess the damage… way and think about how that might make the other person Why was her partner so angry that she was feel. a uni student? 8. Be good friends. John’s story … 9. Both be part of the decision making in the relationship. The plate smashed into the glass door and shattered. Homework forgotten John squeezed his eyes shut, crouched against the wall 10. Tell the other person what you like and admire and hoped his father wouldn’t notice him. about them. Why was his father so angry with his mum?

26 Where do unhealthy relationships start? Many people believe unhealthy relationships begin in homes and schools where girls aren’t viewed as equal with boys, and where respect is not what EVERYONE expects. Rate your mates, male and female, and see how much they value gender equality and respectful relationships!

How often does Never Sometimes Always Score your mate … tell or laugh at jokes that depict girls as dumb or 3 2 0 sex objects? value what girls have to 0 2 3 say? tease guys by calling them names such as 3 2 0 ‘girls’? value friendships with 0 2 3 girls? call girls hurtful names 3 2 0 and make fun of them?

care about the feelings of 0 2 3 girls in their class?

interrupt or talk over girls 3 2 0 when they talk? comment on people’s sexual activities according to their 3 2 0 gender? (e.g. guys are studs/ girls are easy.) include girls in decision 0 2 3 making? 14 YEAR OLD JOSIE STARTED A PETITION: judge girls according to STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE KILLING MUMS 3 2 0 what they wear? LIKE MINE. EDUCATE KIDS IN ALL watch or listen to media AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS. that portrays aggression 3 2 0 towards women? Check it out: tinyurl.com/zwb2xly display affection towards 0 2 3 If you or anyone you know is affected by family violence you may feel a girl they like? vulnerable and confused. It may be traumatic to ‘break the silence’ and speak out but it’s important to let a friend and/or a trusted adult make unfounded know what is happening. There are also support professionals who are generalisations about girls (e.g. They’re not trained to assist family members to stop the cycle of violence. Please 3 2 0 seek help by accessing the help and information on this page when it is good at taking charge, safe to do so. Don’t let violence damage your education and ultimately can’t drive, can’t throw, your future wellbeing. are over emotional) TOTAL:

Quiz adapted from: theline.org.au/Rate-a-mate-how-respectful-of-women-are-your-friends If you’re concerned about the safety of a friend, relative or yourself call: 1800RESPECT (National sexual assault, domestic and family How did they score? violence counselling service) If they scored more than 38 Perfect! Let your mates know you rate the way they respect girls. Check the following links for more info: 13 - 37 • 1800respect.org.au Your mates sometimes do the right thing but they may need encouragement to lift their game and start treating girls and women respectfully all the time. • qlddomesticviolencelink.org.au/category/southeastqld/ Support them when they do the right thing and discourage behaviour that shows disrespect. • humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/ domestic-and-family-violence Less than 13: Your mates don’t seem to understand how their attitudes and behaviour • aureachout.com/what-is-domestic-violence towards girls will impact negatively on their relationships and make them appear to others. Check out Take care that their attitudes don’t taint you.

27 PLEASE HELP ME... Talking to a school guidance officer is a confidential way to get information and support. If you have something you’re worrying about make an appointment to see the GO in your school.

Dear Guidance Officer, Dear J.M.

Ever since I was little I’ve felt Please make an appointment to meet with me to discuss your concerns. Many young people like I’m in the wrong body. I are questioning and exploring their sexuality and gender identity and having a safe space to mean I look like a boy on the discuss this is the first step in alleviating your stress. There are many negative messages about outside but it’s like there has being different in our society, especially when it comes to sexuality or gender identity. This may been some mistake because I make you feel sad, lonely and confused. You may even experience bullying, discrimination and know I’m meant to be a girl. problems at home or school. My thoughts and feelings are female, I’m attracted to boys but I can provide information and referrals to support agencies, such as Open Doors and direct you it’s totally confusing because I’m to appropriate websites. Open Doors, provides support for young people who identify as lesbian, not gay. School is horrible, my gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) or who are confused about their sexuality. They provide family don’t understand me and counselling, workshops and drop-in social support for young people and their parents. They sometimes I just feel like life is provide links to LGBT friendly professionals too (psychologists, doctors). Check out: opendoors.net.au/ just too hard to go on. Please help me before I go mad… J. M. Whenever we have concerns that interfere with our ability to function, it is important to speak to a professional before they become bigger, and as you said, make you feel like you’re going mad.

Dear Guidance Officer, D e ar P. J.

I hate school. I know everyone I hear that telling the teachers made things worse, and am sad that this wasn’t passed on to me or says that but I really mean it. administration as there is much more that we can do, including dealing with the online bullying. I’m constantly bullied and I’ve told teachers but that has made Bullying is not tolerated at this school and there is much that we can do to deal with this. While, it worse because they know I I know that your father means well, think carefully about the consecuences of any action that you told on them. Now they write take. The last thing you need is a suspension or exclusion. You deserve a good education in a stuff about me online. My dad safe and supportive environment and with our help this can be achieved. tells me to punch the main bully but I think they would really Please come and see me so we can work together to deal with the bullying and provide a safe hurt me then. Please help before place for you to study. I drop out of school… P.J.

Dear Guidance Officer, Dear C.A.

I’m in Year 10 and I have to The SET Plan process is coming up and there are pre-requisites of passes in English and Maths to choose my subjects for Senior get into OP English and Maths A etc. However, if you feel that you can improve and get better soon. I want to go to uni and be marks, we give you the opportunity to do this. You have second semester to show how you can a teacher but I’m struggling a bit improve. at the moment as I had a lot of time off in hospital. My English The important thing is to achieve the QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education). You have to teacher doesn’t think I will pass three subjects across all four semesters to gain this. If your dream to get into university is be able to manage Authority not possible with your Year 11 and 12 subject choice and results, there are other pathways to English and wants me to do university. The one often used is the TAFE pathway - you complete a diploma at TAFE. You can get English Comms instead. My into TAFE by doing English Communication in senior, and the diploma allows you to gain access to maths is a bit shaky too. What university when completed. There are many diploma courses which articulate with degree courses, do you think I should do? C. A. this means that you finish the Diploma and can gain entry into the corresponding degree, often into second year.

We will talk about this at parent night and you and your parents can also make an appointment with me so I can explain the process. Remember, there are a number of different pathways to university. Doing an OP pathway is not the only way.

28 ANY QUESTIONS? “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. INFORMATION IS LIBERATING” –Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Has reading Griffiti motivated you to think about what you might want to do after you finish Year 12?

We hope it has given you lots of ideas and inspiration. You’ll probably have lots of questions between now and when you have to make some decisions about your career direction. At Griffith, we’ve made it easy for you to find the answers to all your study-related questions – no matter when you think of them.

There’s information for future students on our website

You’ll find information specifically for you, your parents and guardians as well as for guidance officers. Future students » griffith.edu.au/future-students

Someone might have already asked your question so the answer might be there for you to see, or you can ask your own question and get the answer you need. Ask us » askgriffith.custhelp.com/app/answers/list

Book your own Q&A session

Griffith’s one-on-one Q&A sessions are the easiest way to find out everything you need to know, and get the answers to any questions you may have. Book your own Q&A session » www130.griffith.edu.au/qanda

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Sign up for updates and get the latest information about Griffith University Open Day or Experience Days

You can even call and talk to our helpful staff

Toll Free Future Students Centre 1800 677 728

Where else can you find out information? Ask your school guidance officer

Go to other events like TSXPO – Tertiary Studies Expo » tsxpo.org Magazine journalist and editor Jo Merley Editorial team Tina Donaghy, Edward Kriletich, Roman Albert, Di Mahoney, Sheree Malarski, Suzanne Wilkinson and Tony Lyons Art Work Liveworm Studio Photography Ghaith Jalloub, Georgia Barnes, Jo Merley Supplied photographs courtesy of: GUGC Student Guild Thanks to current and former Uni-Reach students and mentors for generously sharing your stories Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct and current at the time of publication, no responsibility can be taken for any errors or omissions. Student Services Student Equity Services: griffith.edu.au/student-equity-services griffith.edu.au

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Student Services | Student Equity Services » griffith.edu.au/student-equity-services