Mitch Hoskins: A former officer's new mission towards healing

With passion sparked by personal experience and his ongoing dedication to the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) program at UOW, Mitch Hoskins is powering towards his dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. A proud Dunghutti man with a young family, Mitch’s journey to starting at UOW is underpinned by his love for community and the people around him.

As a former police officer, Mitch has witnessed firsthand the importance of mental health awareness and treatment–driving him closer to professional accreditation and enabling him to support former emergency services workers like himself.

In UOW’s 50th year, Mitch’s voice celebrates how the University continues to uplift tomorrow’s changemakers and help shape the path to a better Australia.

What inspired your start at UOW?

“My faith, friends, and family, especially my wife, children, and Nan, have been my greatest motivators in pursuing my dream of becoming a clinical psychologist. After serving as a police officer for over a decade and overcoming my own struggles, I felt a strong desire to further my education and help others facing similar challenges.

I applied to several universities knowing that as a mature-age student with a young family, the level of support each institution provided would be crucial. From the moment I engaged with the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) at UOW, it was clear that this was the place where I would receive not only academic support but also the cultural guidance necessary for my journey.”

Mitch credits the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre (WIC) for providing "cultural guidance" on his academic journey. Photo: Michael Gray.

Tell us about your typical day here...

“A typical day for me is busy. I view a day at university as a full-time job, and I arrive really early to plan my day and leave quite late depending on family commitments. In between lectures and tutorials, I have personal tutoring and conduct research on my assessments and projects so I can be an effective parent at home. My family is my life. However, the odd pause for a six-shot latte in my trusty Yeti and pestering WIC workers with questions always finds its place throughout the day.”

What does your UOW community mean to you?

“I'm quite biased, but my experience isn't community, it’s family. WIC is my family, and they are one of many reasons why I want to succeed. They truly want to see all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people succeed academically and make a difference in the field they choose to go after. They believe in the redemption of hope in our people through education and it’s contagious. The lifelong connections I’ve built with Mob at WIC have been invaluable, and I will never forget those who have supported me along the way.

I have formed close friendships with those ahead of me in my journey who have generously tutored me academically – thanks, Phil and Hannah - as well as mates in my classes who have made this experience even more meaningful. Moreover, I'm so grateful for the connection made through WIC to the Jilya Institute headed by Dr Tracy Westerman–another inspiring figure in my life. Her passion, along with the other Indigenous scholars in the institute, pushes me to be a clinician who impacts my people in my community.”

What do you see yourself doing after you graduate?

“Becoming a clinical psychologist and hopefully making an impact with all Mob within my local community, engaging and promoting men's mental health, in particular suicide awareness. Also working alongside ex-emergency services and ex-servicemen and women who battle with many mental health issues after leaving their careers.”

How do you see UOW's future?

“If [UOW] maintains its commitment to delivering high-quality education for future generations and expand opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, this institution could have a profound statistical impact on my community. By fostering greater access to education and career pathways, it has the potential to break cycles, instil self-belief, and empower future leaders within our community.”