Campus: UOW Eurobodalla
Degree undertaken: Bachelor of Arts Honours (Indigenous Studies and Community, Culture & Environment)
Year graduated: 2013
Degree undertaken: Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Trauma Recovery
Year graduated: 2022
Degree undertaken: Master of Indigenous Health Science
Year commenced: 2023
HONOURING HERITAGE
I am Sharyn Mc Donogh and I am a Yorta Yorta woman. My grandmother’s grandfather on my mother’s side was [Aboriginal Elder and founding secretary of the Australian Aborigines’ League] William Cooper from Cummeragunja, close to the Murray.
INSPIRATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
I turned 60 last year [2023] and when I graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts (Community, Culture and Environment) (Honours), I was the first Indigenous woman to graduate with Honours from the UOW Eurobodalla campus and the first in my family to graduate from university.
MASTER’S DEGREE PERCEPTIONS
As a First Nations student and researcher, my enthusiasm is directly linked to my lived experiences. My passion comes from wanting to improve the lives of my family as my great, great grandfather did. When I mention to people from within the health system that I am doing a master’s they seem impressed by my commitment, obviously because they understood what it entailed more than I did.
ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS
If you’re not sure or lack confidence, then start slow. I have previously suggested that new students spend a semester or two at the Eurobodalla campus first if they are not sure how they will do. It can also help the younger students to stay on track with their studies. The interaction that occurs between the various age groups here has always been a positive experience for me. The most important thing is to always ask someone if you are not sure. No question is too silly and most of the time you’re not the only one who is confused.
FINDING HER PURPOSE
It has taken me the last 30 years to fix the trauma of the first 30. I see my role, no matter what I am doing as one of sharing my lived experiences with others and what is possible with determination and self-accountability. Highlighting these parts of my core self is what propels me to make changes for the future generations of my people just like [great-grandfather] William did.