Hailing from across WA, Shontae’s family are spread as far north as Derby to as far south as Albany, with most of her family descended from the Whadjuk people of the Nyungar Nation.
It is Shontae’s continuing connection to her family and her culture that led her to pursue a career in healthcare, after she sadly lost several close family members. Through periods of grief, Shontae has come to realise that her personal experience with tragedy was not just her own, but one replicated in far too many families across Australia.
Shontae recognised a gap in the healthcare industry, where Aboriginal people often have poor access to appropriate health services, or otherwise feel uncomfortable accessing those services “due to their history of hurt and pain.” Shontae had seen this hesitancy in her own family and realised that she wanted to do something about it.
And so, she applied to Curtin using a bridging course as her pathway towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. Though hardworking and incredibly driven, Shontae struggled with pressure and uncertainties during her first year. For a while, she wasn’t even sure if she would get into her course. But eventually, after a tough year and plenty of perseverance, Shontae received some exciting news: she got accepted!
Eager to pursue her passion, Shontae decided against a gap year, and threw herself with enthusiasm into her studies. Since then, Shontae has received the support she has needed from those working at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies and has been very grateful for the team. “Everyone [at CAS] wants you to succeed. They’re like a big extended family, cheering you on.”
Shontae’s struggles thus far have taught her just how strong she is. Faced with adversity, Shontae has refused to give up. In fact, each new challenge has only fuelled her passion for pursuing a career in medicine.
Reflecting on her uni journey so far, Shontae says she has learnt not be too harsh on herself. “Don’t compare yourself to others. And don’t be scared or disheartened in your first year, because high school is different to uni. Once you adapt to uni, it gets easier.”
What helped Shontae settle into the uni lifestyle was taking frequent breaks when she needed them so that she didn’t become burnt out. “Looking after yourself is the most important aspect, and I feel like we forget that when we study. It’s so important to set aside time for ‘me’ days… My favourite thing [to do] is to go around campus and find somewhere nice, quiet and secluded.”
In the future, Shontae hopes to make the most of the opportunities afforded to her by applying her newly gained medical knowledge with compassion and care to Aboriginal communities across Australia.
Until then, Shontae will continue to work hard in her studies, and reconnect with her heritage through her hidden talent of traditional dot painting. Shontae says that when she is painting, she is always reminded that “patience and consistency turns into something beautiful.”
This article was written by creative writing and professional writing and publishing student, Abbey Carson.
