Uchenna Anyanwu didn’t listen in high school; he didn’t think he was academically inclined and struggled. He wasn’t going to receive an ATAR – the primary basis of admission to universities in Australia – and felt directionless. That changed when he was told about the University of Sydney’s residential programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students.
“When I was in year 12 my career adviser told me about these high school programs for Indigenous students,” he said. “I was really interested so I applied and was brought to Sydney by the University.
“While I was on the program, I was chatting with some students at the Uni who told me that they also hadn’t received an ATAR in high school, but they were still there and studying. That was when I learned about the Extended Bachelor’s Program, which is how I got into the University of Sydney.”
Now living in student accommodation on campus, playing for the University’s American Football team and having just completed his foundation year of study in the Extended Bachelor’s Program, Uche has returned to the same residential programs for high-school students that helped him find his way, showing other kids options available to them post school.
One of those high school students is Chelsea Moran who, after coming to Sydney, quickly felt she’d found a community away from home.
“I was a little bit nervous on the first day flying over here. I was worried about not fitting in with other people and not being able to make friends. But I’ve honestly made so many. It’s been great finding other Indigenous kids who are interested in the things I like.
“Meeting the student ambassadors who are also studying here has been great. They’ve told us about the many friends they’ve made at uni so far, and how many people they’ve met from all around the world, as well as how going to uni is a first-time experience for us all.”
A young Dunghutti woman, Chelsea travelled from Port Macquarie to participate in the Gadalung program after a recommendation from one of her high school teachers. Chelsea has grown up connected to mob, participating in cultural dance and will be an Indigenous leader at her school next year.
She says the Gadalung Program has helped her realise university is accessible and a genuine option for her future.
“Before I found out about the Gadalung Program, I honestly never really thought it would be an option for me. I didn’t really know much about different scholarships and not a lot of my family have gone to university,” she said.
“It’s been really helpful to learn about the different scholarships and pathways into uni for Indigenous kids.
“There hasn’t been a single bad moment. My favourite thing about Gadalung is how much people care about Indigenous education and helping Indigenous people get into university. Being here has changed my perspective on how much people want the best for us, which is crazy because it’s only a week long.”
Students from all over Australia attend the Gadalung Program, and visit the Gadgial Centre at the University of Sydney. Photo credit: The University of Sydney/Cornel Ozies.
Another program participant is Gubbi Gubbi student Jamal Burgess, school captain of Morayfield State High School in Queensland. He says he would recommend the Gadalung Program to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students exploring their options.
“It’s really worth going to. You learn a lot about uni life and college life, and you can talk to current students about it, they can inform you and answer your questions,” he said.
“It’s also been really nice to make new friends and meet new people, It’s definitely something other kids should try out.
“As all the professors have been saying: you don’t really need to know what you want to do with your future right now, and it’s good to know you have different options.”
From the islands, to the bush, to the city
A weeklong residential experience, the Gadalung program invites Indigenous students in Years 9 – 11 from all over Australia to experience University life, including attending classes based on their interests, participating in workshops, and touring the University and student accommodation options. Participants of the program meet and connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and often create meaningful friendships which remain in place as they return to the University as undergraduate students.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt welcomed the students, sharing his own educational journey.
“When I was in Year 7 or 8, my only goal was to finish high school. There weren’t many in my family who had completed Year 12, let alone gone on to university. Later, after starting my career in cultural dancing, my father and uncles who had started studying at uni in block programs suggested I give it a go.
“So I did. I got through my first block, and then the next and did well. I ended up completing the program, and then went on to complete a diploma, and then a Bachelor of Health Science and received 2nd class Honours. I’ve now got a Master’s degree and a PhD.”
“I didn’t have the opportunity to do something like the Gadalung program, and I’m immensely proud these students are here, challenging themselves and taking a big first step to learning about the options available to them for their future,” he said.
“Through programs like these we’ve seen increasing numbers of Indigenous students preferencing USYD and wanting to engage with higher education.
“The Gadalung Program gives students the opportunity to find friends and connection off Country. Students meet staff members and program alumni at the Gadigal Centre. Those who decide to study here know they have a safe space to ease the transition from school to university.”
