An unknown culture, single motherhood, and an unfinished high school education could have meant forgotten dreams for Katrina Chippendale.

However meeting her long-lost great uncle Eddie Mabo changed her path.

Ms Chippendale is now studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science at CQUniversity's Bundaberg campus.

She serves on the Student Representative Council as the Indigenous Representative and Deputy Chair and has participated in various committees.

She enrolled in university as a mature-aged student through the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program.

"I always knew I wanted to attend university, but I thought it was not possible as I did not complete high school and spent 20 years raising my four children alone," Ms Chippendale said.

She is now living out her dream as she prepares to graduate at the end of the year.

As the first in her family to attend university, this achievement is a reality she never thought possible.

"Growing up I was not educated about my Torres Strait Island heritage and never got to experience the family connections and community values which are ingrained within my culture," she said.

"When I was young, I only wanted to fit into mainstream Australian society, but this changed when I was ten and my family travelled to the Torres Straits to live on Murray Island and I was fortunate enough to meet a great uncle of mine, Eddie Mabo.

"As a teenager I became interested in the Mabo court case and read the whole hand-typed court proceedings, and I had dreams and aspirations of becoming a lawyer."

This blend of culture and renewed ambition drives Ms Chippendale to remain committed to her beliefs, share her identity, and pursue her goals.

"For me 'keep the fire burning' resonates strongly with my life journey as I had to maintain my beliefs, as well as my passion for attending university, knowing that one day I would accomplish my dream," she said.

"As a Torres Strait Islander I feel the need to pass my knowledge and experiences on to my children and grandchildren so they can learn to embrace their culture and be proud – as a community we should stand tall and proud as we celebrate the achievements and contributions our culture and people make toward our beautiful country."

"I want future generations to take the time to listen to their elders and learn to respect their culture and recognise the true value and beauty of a culture which is the oldest living on earth."