Meet Lori, a passionate student and New to Curtin Mentor forging her way through the dynamic world of commerce with a double major in human resources and marketing. As a proud Koori woman from Dharug country (NSW), Lori’s academic pursuit has been characterised by a deep-seated commitment to not only excel in her studies but also uplift the Aboriginal community.
Lori’s story unfolded with her adventurous gap year, during which she embarked on an experience within the Defence Force. This challenging yet formative period equipped her with invaluable teamwork and discipline skills.
“It was a really good experience. Teamwork, discipline … I gained those kind of skills, but it was challenging.”
Her transition to Curtin was marked by a determination to pursue her passion for human resources and marketing. What particularly resonated with her was the people-focussed nature of these fields. Lori’s aversion to being confined behind a desk or working with numbers found its antidote in the vibrant world of HR and marketing.
For her, it’s all about the connection, whether it’s developing individuals through HR or understanding consumer behaviour in marketing. It was the prospect of delving into research on people’s desires and conducting interviews that captivated her. She found that the assignments in her chosen field not only aligned with her passion for building relationships but also mirrored the practicalities of real-life work.
“I like being out and talking to people and building relationships. That’s key for me to be able to have an enjoyable career. And I like that a lot of the assignments are reflective of that.”
Lori’s active engagement with the Aboriginal Student Placement program played a pivotal role that solidified her commitment to supporting and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates. She found herself not only earning money, but also working in a field directly related to her degree, igniting a newfound passion within her.
Lori highlights the multidimensional impact of the program. Not only did it provide her with relevant work experience, but it also facilitated a unique synergy between her role as a staff member and her studies. This dual perspective allowed her to approach her academic endeavours with a deeper understanding and practical insights, creating a seamless connection between her work and her education.
“I work in Student Success where they run lots of programs, and that job opened me up to other opportunities. I love it! I’ve made so many friends. I’ve learnt so much about myself as an Aboriginal woman, I’ve been able to work with other Aboriginal students and build a community. It’s really lovely and beyond my expectations.” Her genuine dedication to fostering a sense of community and empowerment is also reflected in her role as a New to Curtin Mentor, where she embraced the responsibility of guiding and supporting new students during their transition into university.
Lori’s experiences as a Mentor were marked by her innate ability to connect with others, offering advice and guidance that extended beyond academic matters. Her role in the program illuminated her natural aptitude for cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring that new students could navigate their university experience with confidence and purpose. Her warmth and approachability fostered a sense of belonging allowing a seamless transition into university life for her mentees.
“I really just like sending them messages all the time as well, I was like, ‘Oh, do you want to like catch up? Let’s just have a chat.'”
Looking ahead, Lori envisions a future dedicated to championing the cause of Indigenous empowerment and bridging the gap within her community. Her aspirations involve leveraging her experience and knowledge to continue supporting and guiding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates, propelling them towards success and a brighter future.
