Zoe leading by example

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www.firstnationstelegraph.com

Zoe leading by example by Nicole Marino 23 December 2013 Zoe Connor (pictured) is out to prove that through hard work and determination you can achieve whatever you desire and thanks to Bond University, she is hoping to change the stereotype that tertiary education isn’t easily accessible to the Indigenous community. As a recipient of the Indigenous Pathways Scholarship at Bond, Zoe will study a Bachelor of Commerce next year and is hoping to enter a career in accounting. “Accounting is something I’m good at and is a good fit for me, but we’ll see where I end up, my life as a University student is just the beginning,” she said. Having grown up the eldest of eight children, Zoe said her parents have always pushed her and her siblings to embrace their education. “To succeed in society these days, you need a descent education, however being Indigenous, there was always a stereotype that we were expected to fail,” she said. “I want to pave the path not only for my siblings, but for other Indigenous students. I don’t want others to go through the identity crisis that I experienced in my adolescence - I hope that one day they can stand up and be proud of our rich culture.” After growing up in Toowoomba and completing her year 12 certificate at Downlands College, the move to Bond University will be Zoe’s first time away from home. “I am both excited and nervous about moving away, but the Bond

atmosphere is so welcoming and friendly, the only thing I’m worried about is missing out on watching my younger siblings grow,” she said. “Bond has lots of programs which will help me settle in and the smaller class sizes and student to teacher ratio mean I’ll be able to get the assistance I need.” In addition to the Nyombile Centre, which helps students feel welcome by connecting them to the local Indigenous elders and community, Bond University has more than 100 student volunteers involved in the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) program, the Bond Indigenous Awareness Society (BIAS), Kununurra Youth Program and Career Trackers Indigenous

Internship Program. Zoe is one of eight students to be awarded scholarships to Bond University next year through its Indigenous support programs. The scholarships were announced following the successful Indigenous Gala Event last month which saw more than $175,000 raised to help fund the programs. Around 350 people attended the event, including special VIP guest and new Bond student Scott Prince and event patron Dr Patrick Corrigan AM. Corporate sponsors included Accor, Indigenous Land Corporation, Sunland Foundation, ISS Facility Services, Former Origin Greats, Newell Consulting Engineers, Pindara Private Hospital, Hickey Lawyers, Technology One and and ANZ Bank.

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