Proud Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri woman Mia Cafe hopes to use her youth work studies to help create safer and more supportive spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people by drawing on her own experiences in the education system.
Ms Cafe is studying a Certificate IV in Youth Work through TAFE Queensland and wants to build a career helping young people feel heard, valued and supported.
Her goal has been shaped by her own experience of needing culturally appropriate support while going through school.
"I decided to study youth work because I'd like a career making a difference in young people's lives, especially Indigenous youth," Ms Cafe said.
"I didn't receive much help going through the school system when I needed it, especially culturally appropriate help, so I want to be someone young people can relate to and feel comfortable talking to."
Ms Cafe's connection to culture and community was strengthened during Youth Week celebrations at TAFE Queensland's South Bank campus.
The event brought together students, staff and community members to celebrate culture, identity and connection, with respected Elder Janine Jenkins-Munro and her dance group performing and sharing stories.
Ms Cafe took part in the cultural dancing and celebrations on the day.
"It was fantastic to see her get the whole room up to learn a cultural dance," she said.
"I was lucky enough to join in on the day of dancing and celebrating my culture.
"I was painted in ochre (soil or charcoal), and I was gifted my own traditional kangaroo and emu feather skirt, a possum skin, and a dilly bag. It was such an honour."
A TAFE Queensland Scholarship has also helped Ms Cafe continue her studies and focus on her future career.
She received an Access and Equity Scholarship, sponsored by Fujitsu, which supports students facing barriers to education and training, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The scholarship has helped ease financial pressure and given her confidence to pursue opportunities she may not have considered before.
"Receiving the scholarship was an incredibly rewarding and emotional moment," Ms Cafe said.
"I felt grateful, proud, and genuinely encouraged.
"It felt like recognition of my hard work and potential, and it reassured me that I was moving in the right direction with my studies and career goals."
Since launching in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded more than $3.4 million to help Queenslanders pursue career goals through education and training.
The scholarships help with study-related expenses, including course fees, travel, childcare, uniforms, tools and learning materials.
Ms Cafe said the support had encouraged her to aim higher and make the most of her studies.
"It has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, aim higher professionally, and believe that I'm capable of achieving long-term success," she said.
"Knowing that others have invested in my education has inspired me to work even harder and make the most of every opportunity."
Through her studies, Ms Cafe has developed practical skills in communication, leadership, teamwork, advocacy and culturally informed support practices.
She said the course had helped her better understand how to support young people in safe and respectful ways.
"One of the biggest things I've gained through the course is a better understanding of how to support and communicate with young people in a safe, respectful way," Ms Cafe said.
"I'm especially excited about learning how to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth through culturally informed practices and advocacy."
After completing her qualification, Ms Cafe hopes to keep supporting young people while continuing to build her skills through further study.
"My goal is to create safe and supportive spaces where youth feel understood, encouraged, and empowered to achieve their goals," Ms Cafe said.
"The scholarship opportunity means a lot to me because it's helping me build a future where I can give back to my community and make a positive impact in young people's lives."
