If you had have told me 10 years ago that I would be graduating from UOW with a Bachelor of Social Work with distinction… I would not have believed you.
My name is Beau Beveridge. I am a proud Bindal woman with ties to the Torres Strait Islands.
In 2019 I was working in a preschool and yearning for more. Leaving school halfway through year 12 and not getting an ATAR, I didn’t know how this would be possible.
As I spoke with the director of Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, I was advised of other pathways I could make my university dreams possible. I connected with the WIC team and continued to come, connect, and learn about what I was about to embark on.
I applied to study at UOW through the Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) in October 2019. Where I sat a numeracy and literacy test and spoke with the head of social work. The anticipation and nerves I felt while waiting to hear if I had been successful was daunting. I was taken into the room where I just completed my interview and offered a position to study the following year. I couldn’t believe my real journey was about to begin.
On my first day of university, my excitement and nerves kicked in. However, I felt comfort in knowing the supports and mob I had around me. It fuelled my fire and gave me the determination I needed to get me through.
Throughout my 4-year university journey, I linked in to almost every single activity and service WIC provided. I was paired with amazing and supportive tutors who dealt with my meltdowns and provided me with the guidance I needed. I became a WIC student ambassador, sharing my story and encouraging young mob to come to university. I engaged in social activities with other students, including trivia, lawn bowls and lots of feeds. I received scholarships that’s supported me financially while studying, and I mentored and linked in with other social workers throughout their journey through the degree.
I was able to create lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget through the experiences WIC provided like Indigenous Nationals. I was the biggest cheerleader and followed the teams from Newcastle then Brisbane then Melbourne. These trips also allowed me to meet deadly friends from other universities.
After 4 long years, I submitted my last university assessment ever. Along with happiness and pride, I felt sad that I would not be spending another day at WIC as a student. I couldn’t socialise in the foyer with my friends and annoy the WIC staff. It was time for me to go into the real workplace and make change.
Since finishing my degree, I have secured a full-time job at the Department of Communities and Justice as an Aboriginal Caseworker. In this role I aim to make positive changes and keep children safe.
There are no words that can explain how thankful I am for WIC. I’ll be back soon….