Indigenous Pathways to Dreaming program inspires future career for psychology student
Elina Roberts-Turner is determined to make a positive difference in the lives of others by helping people become the best versions of themselves.
Now in her second year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree at Western Sydney University, Elina says her career direction was cemented during her Year 12 PDHPE studies when she developed a strong interest in the psychological aspects that can impact behaviour.
"As a young person, it's difficult to watch the people around you suffer with their mental health when you feel like you don't have the tools or knowledge to help them,” said Elina.
“This was one of the most important factors that drew me to studying psychology; the ability to gain those skills so that one day I would have those tools and the ability to make a difference.
“Once I was certain psychology was the career for me, I read a book called ‘Anxiety’ by Dr Mark Cross, who worked as a senior lecturer at Western. The quality of his work set a high standard for the psychology professionals at the University that I would be learning from.”
Throughout high school in Years 8 to 10, Elina participated in Western Sydney University’s Indigenous Pathways to Dreaming program, and as a Year 12 student she received an early entry offer to study at Western through its HSC True Rewards program.
“The Pathways to Dreaming program was a way for students from different schools to connect, learn more about our Indigenous Culture, and gain insights into tertiary education and career options that started with studying at Western,” said Elina.
“From that point, Western Sydney University had always been in the back of my mind as I felt part of the community there.
“Once I received my ATAR, I chose Western Sydney University because of its closeness to home, the quality of staff, and the community I had been emersed in. It was comforting to know that I could receive quality education without commuting for hours every day.”
Elina’s highlight experience at Western has been connecting with the University’s Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education and being offered the opportunity to travel internationally for the New Colombo Plan’s Sustainability and Cultural Immersion program in Taiwan.
“It was an eye-opening trip and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Not only was I able to immerse myself in the Culture of Indigenous Taiwanese peoples, but I also learnt from acclaimed researchers from around the world.”
“Throughout this time, I also strengthened my connection to my own culture and identity by connecting with seven other students through Western’s Badanami Centre that I am very grateful to now have in my life.”
The Badanami Centre for Indigenous Education provides Western Sydney University Indigenous students with support and opportunities to ensure their success throughout the course of their degree.
Providing students with a culturally safe and supportive environment to succeed, Elina says the Badanami Centres located across seven Western Sydney University campuses have been invaluable.
“Having Badanami Centres at each campus is a special service that Western provides – they are accessible to all Indigenous students and are a space to work comfortably and connect with others from the Western mob. The Badanami staff are always really willing to help with anything university related, and it is another space I am grateful to have.”
“Community is a prominent theme at Western, even in terms of the way that we’re supported in our psychology studies, our tutors are always really good at giving advice.
“Overall, while my overarching goal through my Bachelor of Psychology course is to learn how to help others, I am grateful for how it has helped me to better understand myself.”
ENDS
21 August 2024
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