Jade Jackson, a Dharawal and Gadigal woman from Jervis Bay, is studying a Bachelor of Primary Education at UOW. She is passionate about education and believes “it is key to building a stronger, more inclusive future.” Jade strives for high academic achievement and has developed a strong interest in incorporating Indigenous perspectives into education.
Jade is “incredibly grateful” to be a recipient of the GO Foundation Scholarship for 2024. The GO Foundation was founded by Sydney Swans legends, Adam Goodes (Adnyamathanha and Narungga man) and Michael O'Loughlin (Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narungga man) to empower young Indigenous Australians through education. The scholarship provides financial support to undergraduate Indigenous students to help reach their potential. Jade is a deserving recipient of the scholarship and a commendable student who has remained dedicated to her studies despite experiencing financial hardship and strong adversities.
Jade explains how with this financial assistance she will be able to focus more and “fully dedicate herself to her studies and achieving academic excellence.” She recounts her financial difficulties throughout the past year and how helpful the GO Foundation Scholarship has been for her. Like many students, she had to move from her home and Country for better work and study opportunities. Jade also speaks of her experience caring for her mother who had been diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, taking up the responsibility of caring for her mother while she was in recovery and supporting her siblings. Thankfully, Jade’s mother is in the process of completing her rounds of chemotherapy and is embarking on her recovery journey! These hardships on top of Jade’s personal struggles navigating ADHD and anxiety had left her feeling completely emotionally and financially overwhelmed.
The scholarship will also allow Jade to continue to contribute to her community which she has always been an active member of and pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth. Jade will be starting an internship in January to further explore this and hopes to pursue a PhD in research after completing her bachelor’s degree.