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SACE Aboriginal Student Pathways Conference 2015
About 150 Aboriginal students from country South Australia and metropolitan Adelaide came together at the University of Adelaide in mid-June for the seventh SACE Aboriginal Student Pathways Conference.
With dream believe succeed as its theme, the Conference was a chance for students in Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 to learn more about their future study, training, and employment options and be inspired by mentors who are working towards their career goals.
Dwayne Coulthard, a young Adnyamathanha and Kokatha man who is in the fifth and final year of a Bachelor of Law degree, told the students it was important to work hard, be resilient, and exercise self-belief.
'It is okay to be unsure. We are all unsure at times. I have failed many times, but I got back up,' Mr Coulthard, who plans to specialise in Family Law, says.
'When I started my studies I did not know that I had this potential within me. What I have done can be replicated by everyone here. Make a pledge to yourselves to continue your education and make it an important part of your life.
'For my ancestors, education was never an option-it was not an option for my grandmother. I would not be here if not for the sacrifices of those who came before me. I owe it to them to further my education,' he adds.
The Conference was also addressed by the Chief Executive of the SACE Board, Dr Neil McGoran, and the Minister for Education and Child Development, Susan Close.