Cape York Leaders Program graduating Year 12 scholar El'leija Creek has finished secondary school reflecting on her journey and setting her sights on university study.
Ms Creek joined the program in Year 7 and completed her schooling at Stuartholme in Brisbane, where she developed plans to study architectural design.
She comes from a family with strong ties to the program, following her older brother Chasten Creek, a CYLP graduate, while her younger sister Annie is set to begin next year.
Ms Creek said her time in the program was great thought moving moving away from home to attend boarding school in Brisbane was challenging at first.
"They (CYLP) taught me a lot and gave me strong support," she said.
"It was hard at first being in a big city, not knowing anybody... but over time, with CYP's support and the older girls on the scholarship, I became more comfortable.
"Their encouragement helped me get out there and make friends."
Ms Creek initially planned a future in art or curatorial work before reconsidering her direction.
She said attending a university STEM camp at the University of Queensland earlier this year influenced her thinking.
"Being there showed me a whole other side of STEM and I found it very interesting."
Ms Creek is now applying to study a Bachelor of Architectural Design at either the University of Queensland or Queensland University of Technology next year.
She hopes to continue her involvement with the program as a CYLP Tertiary Scholar and wants to give back.
"I think the support will have an even bigger impact now. High school prepared me for the world, but this is setting me up for years to come," she said.
"Even if I don't share the same dreams as them, it's about being a bit of inspiration - letting them know they can do anything if they put their mind to it," she said.
She added guidance from her brother and encouragement from older scholars played an important role throughout her schooling.
As she prepares for the next stage of her education, Ms Creek reflects the leadership outcomes the program aims to foster among Cape York students.
