CQU alumni provides advice for aspiring Indigenous students this NAIDOC Week

She's a married mother of two teens' works two jobs' is a mentor' a volunteer' a CQUniversity law graduate and a proud Indigenous woman.

Cairns-based Nareeta Davis might be incredibly busy but she always makes time to help others.

And this NAIDOC Week she provides some sound advice for aspiring Indigenous students thinking about taking the leap into Higher Education.

"First of all' and cliché I know' but believe in yourself'"

Nareeta said.

Once you've overcome that hurdle and taken the dive to enrolling' Nareeta said to not be afraid about asking for support.

"Swallow your pride and ask for help. Reach out for support from family' friends and the University – those family and friends whom don't support you – ditch them.

"Reach out to the course coordinators and the Indigenous Engagement Team – they are there and actually want you to succeed. Yes' it is very hard' there will be tears and a lot of sacrifice' but this is short-lived – keep on at it one subject at a time and you'll be surprised at how you get through it."

Nareeta identifies as a descendant of the Purga Mission' Ipswich Queensland with cultural connections to the Kullili Thargomindah people' and maternal non-indigenous Australian heritage. She graduated from CQU with a Bachelor of Laws in 2017 and had to undertake further required study before being admitted as a Solicitor in 2018. Nareeta now balances two professional careers – her role as Senior Accountant at BDO (NTH QLD) in the Business Recovery Division and her role as a Solicitor at Holding Redlich Lawyers' Pro Bono Division.

"I enjoy immensely the diversity of both roles and am very appreciative of this arrangement – both firms are incredibly supportive and also understand that my first role is as a mum to my two growing teenagers'"

Nareeta explained.

Nareeta also sits on a number of Boards including a Ministerial Government Board and the Qld Law Society's First Nations Consulting Committee and said she strives to educate the professional corporate world of a genuine approach to reconciliation.

"I am the Indigenous Representative of both BDO (NTH QLD) and Holding Redlich Lawyers' Reconciliation Action Plans."

In addition to these roles' Nareeta also volunteers' mentors and is a learning advisor at CQU.

"I genuinely enjoy helping people! Also' it is important to have the support of someone who believes in you and pushes you to keep on striving for the end goal'"

she said.

"I enjoy assisting students who are studying at the University' as I can resonate with their concerns and also highlights."

Nareeta has recently featured in a special CQUniversity video titled Walking in our Ancestor's Footsteps' which has been launched as part of NAIDOC Week.