Renae Silver
Bachelor of Social Work student
A range of USC support services have helped first-year Bachelor of Social Work student Renae Silver adjust to university life.
After completing a Diploma of Community Welfare Work at Sunshine Coast TAFE, Renae applied to study at USC.
As an Indigenous student, she participated in the Indigenous Orientation Week program, and took advantage of tutoring provided through the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme.
Renae says USC offers a “very supportive environment” for students, with an “excellent campus and supportive staff”.
She says two scholarships—an Indigenous Access Scholarship and a Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship—have helped her to cover the expenses associated with study.
“They (the scholarships) were extremely helpful, especially during rough times,” Renae says.
Upon graduation, Renae hopes to work with Indigenous people and communities—perhaps in the areas of drug and alcohol prevention.
“Since I was young, I knew I wanted to work with people, and help people,” Renae says.
She recommends USC to other prospective students, and offers the following advice:
“Follow your dreams, don’t let anything stop you.”