From Argumentative Student to Human Rights Lawyer: Overcoming Obstacles with Determination

Strategic Insights -

Kyanna Hansen, a 20-year-old Aboriginal woman from Western Australia, has been a passionate advocate for human rights since her high school days. Despite struggling with racism and feeling intimidated by teachers, Hansen, who is now in her second year of studying law at Murdoch University, attributes her argumentative streak to her determination to become a human rights lawyer. Hansen's journey to university was not an easy one; she dropped out of school between years 9 and 11 and moved to New Zealand to live with her aunt and uncle. However, with the help of the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre at Murdoch University, Hansen was able to pursue her academic goals through the K-Track program, a free mentorship program that guides Indigenous students towards higher education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kyanna Hansen, an Aboriginal woman, has overcome obstacles in her education journey to become a second-year law student at Murdoch University.
  • Hansen attributes her argumentative streak to her strong moral compass and passion for human rights, which guided her decision to study law.
  • The Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre's K-Track program played a crucial role in Hansen's success, providing her with a mentorship and support system.
  • Murdoch University's School of Indigenous Knowledges Dean, Jenna Woods, also entered higher education through K-Track and credits the program with helping her find her love for learning again.
  • Woods believes that Kulbardi and K-Track help Indigenous students overcome feelings of inadequacy and show them that they belong in higher education.

Statistics:

  • 20% of Indigenous students in Australia drop out of school at the age of 15 (Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020).
  • The Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre at Murdoch University provides a range of support services to Indigenous students, including academic assistance, cultural support, and enterprise development (Source: Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre website).
  • K-Track, a free 15-week mentor program, has helped numerous Indigenous students qualify for entry into undergraduate degrees at Murdoch University (Source: K-Track program website).

Sources:

  • "A Glance Inside: How Indigenous Students Experience School": Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2020)
  • Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre website (2022)
  • K-Track program website (2022)