A fourth-year medical student from Cape York has returned to James Cook University's Indigenous Winter School to help guide the next generation of First Nations students.
Harry Plasto, an Umpila man from Coen, took part in the five-day program as an Indigenous Student Ambassador.
Now based in Cairns, Mr Plasto is studying medicine at JCU and has returned to the Winter School for a second time in the mentoring role.
The program brought 90 students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to JCU's Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville during the recent June and July mid-year school holidays.
Students travelled from across Australia, including communities throughout Far North Queensland, to gain an insight into university life and the study options available to them.
They met university staff and current students, attended academic lectures and participated in team-building activities.
The program also gave students the opportunity to form connections with other young people who may be considering tertiary education.
Mr Plasto told Region Tropical North Queensland the program's supportive environment gave students the confidence to explore different study pathways and consider which options best suited them.
"This is my second Winter School program I've attended," Mr Plasto said.
"Everyone here is really warm and welcoming.
"The staff look after you, you can have a look and see what you're interested in and you can pick a path that appeals to you."
His role as an ambassador has allowed students to directly learn from someone who is already progressing through university and understands the study demands of higher education.
JCU head of Indigenous learning support services Manola Chong said the program helped students recognise their own potential.
"For many students, this is the beginning of something much bigger than one week on campus," she told Region Tropical North Queensland.
"The confidence they develop here can open doors to new opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities."
Townsville Year 12 student Peata Deegan returned for her third Winter School.
She said the program had strengthened her desire to continue her education while also helping her feel supported culturally and socially.
"Coming here and seeing the Indigenous programs just cemented it for me," she said.
"Culturally, academically and socially, it's a confidence booster."
JCU also has a Far North Queensland campus at Smithfield in Cairns, while the Winter School is now in its ninth year and continues to connect Indigenous high school students with university staff and current students.
