First in family takes necessary STEPS to dream degree

Delton Clark is the first in her immediate family to attend university and plans to use her degree to make positive change to society.

The Mackay-based CQUniversity Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) student is in her first term of the degree and said being the first-in-family to undertake higher education had given her a 'sense of empowerment and motivation'.

"I want to use my degrees to educate and make positive changes among my local and extended communities'" Delton' 28' said.

Before enrolling in the undergraduate degree' Delton completed CQUs bridging course STEPS (Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies).

"I found the STEPS course to be very enriching and it gave me the necessary skills and expectations to move forward into my bachelor's degree'" she said.

Delton identifies as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and is part of the Gooreng Gooreng people. Her Torres Strait Island heritage reigns from Boigu' Darnley and Masig Islands.

Only a few weeks into the first units of the undergraduate degree' Delton said it had already provided her with great awareness of how disciplined one should be when it comes to study.

"Studying a Bachelor's degree is not for the faint-hearted but if you're working towards something that you're truly interested in you will persevere'" she said.

Delton said that some previous work experience engaging in the local community is what made her decide on a career in laws/psychology.

"That work experience made me aware of current barriers that we're facing in regards to mental health and understanding of law and the justice system'" she explained.

"I feel like there was a barrier between communication and comprehension and understanding between mainstream services throughout my Indigenous community - so studying a bachelor of laws and bachelor of psychology will give me the necessary skills to make a difference and close the gap."

Delton provides some sound advice to anyone wishing to go down the path of higher education.

"Do not doubt your own capabilities and potential' you can do anything if you have passion and drive."