My name is Eileen Farrell. I am a proud Alawa woman from Ngukurr community, in southeast Arnhem Land, and I am a second-year student studying at Macquarie University.
The Wuyagiba Study Hub is a 2-way learning program, that means learning and exchange of non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal knowledge. The study hub is located between two Arnhem Land Aboriginal communities, Ngukurr and Numbulwar.
I love studying because it opens up new worlds and ideas for me. Studying helps me achieve my goals and keeps my mind active and engaged.
There were times when things were difficult for me, but throughout the weeks I spent at Wuyagiba, everything turned out to be great. For example, I was a very shy person growing up who dealt with social anxiety. I was always the quiet girl but the support, encouragement, love, and care I received from the Wuyagiba Study Hub was beyond helpful. I used them as motivation to continue to work on myself and towards my goals. Also, the 2-way learning process was definitely a helpful way to understand both worlds and learn more about my culture as well as the Western ways.
It was hard at first but getting to know other students from other communities around the Northern Territory gave me an opportunity to learn more about their cultural practices, stories, goals and how they want to make a better future for themselves and their communities.
The Study Hub provided me with skills, such as critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork. It also gave me a pathway to my goals or career. The program helped me in so many ways like meeting new people, talking in front of an audience, and getting out of my comfort zone. Honestly, it was the best decision I’ve made. Now that I am a second-year student studying at Macquarie University, I hope that more young Indigenous boys and girls from communities take this opportunity because it is worth it.
Read more about Regional University Study Hubs.
Photo: Eileen Farrell on a cultural field trip at Wuyagiba Study Hub, 2022.
Photo taken by Andrea Jaggi