Joyleen Butler has become the first student from the remote Northern Territory town of Kaltukatjara (Docker River) in a decade to complete high school, travelling nearly 2,000 kilometres to do so.
She graduated from Clontarf Aboriginal College in Perth last year through the NPY Women's Council's boarding school program.
Living away from home for two years was a challenge, however Ms Butler remained committed to finishing school.
"It was amazing, but it was a little bit upsetting, because I was worried, crying for my friends, because they were crying for me too," the ABC reports.
Her older sister, Veronica Reid, played a key role in keeping her motivated.
"I told my sister I just wanted to stay at home, but she supported me and kept on encouraging me to go to school," she said.
"She's proud and excited that I graduated."
Ms Butler said she enjoyed her time at boarding school and valued the friendships she made.
"My favourite subjects were English, maths and sport," she said.
"I liked staying with my friends in their room, keeping them company and having a yarn with them."
Her sister said their late mother had wanted her daughters to complete school.
"She passed away and we gave her a promise — we kept her promise for Joyleen to join boarding school and finish year 12," Ms Reid told the ABC.
"I was so excited when I heard that she was just about to graduate, and was just amazed, so proud of what she's done.
"She made the community proud."
NPY Women's Council youth worker, Tameka McMasters said Ms Butler's achievement had encouraged other young people to consider boarding school.
"She's very inspiring for the young people in the community," she said.
"After she started going to boarding school, a lot of other young people started wanting to go to boarding school and wanting a good education."
Ms McMasters said remote communities such as Kaltukatjara faced challenges in education due to teacher shortages and funding issues.
"We need more Anangu teachers in community because it's hard for young people to travel all the way to boarding school," she said.
Since graduating, Ms Butler has returned home and started working with the youth program that once supported her.
Her message to others is clear.
"Try your best," she said.
"If it's hard or easy, just do it."
