Shaping a positive future for LGBTQIA+ students
With support from many generous donors to the 2023 LGBTQIA+ Shaping Futures Scholarship, Bachelor of Social Work (honours) student Luke is sharing his unique perspectives to help others.
As a transgender man and young carer, Luke has faced many challenges on his path to become a social worker.
“My caring responsibilities fluctuate day-to-day and often take a lot of time. Going on student placement, for example, really challenges my ability to meet all the needs of my family. With support from the Shaping Futures Scholarship and University staff, I have been able to engage more actively with my coursework and cohort, and I have more time to concentrate on my studies.
I am deeply appreciative of the financial support I’ve received on my education and professional development journey,” says Luke.
As a future social worker, Luke hopes to be able to support other LGBTQIA+ students to pursue their education goals and address the significant gap in care for the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community on the Central Coast.
It has been really rewarding being able to integrate and share my experiences as a transgender man into my studies, exploring many questions and challenging preconceptions in a variety of relevant social work topics.
In future, I would like to pursue research to address and improve the mental health and wellbeing of those who specifically identify as transgender or gender diverse. Ultimately, I would like to set up a practice here on the Central Coast so many young adults don’t have to travel significant distances for gender affirming care.”
-Luke, Shaping Futures Scholarship recipient studying a Bachelor of Social Work (honours)
If you are interested in establishing or supporting an undergraduate or PhD scholarship, please contact Lenita on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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