News

But a combination of determination, and opportunity in the shape of a Learning Potential Fund scholarship, created the means for Lily to reimagine and transform her life far from the wine-growing region of Stanthorpe.

Now aged 28, Lily is a program manager at an integrated mental health service in northern NSW, giving back to the community by supporting young people and adults across the region.

“Mental health is a passion of mine,” Lily says.

“I find great pride and joy in leading a team, seeing the ripple effect our work has in the community.

“I enjoy working with young and vulnerable people who have faced challenging times,  leveraging my lived experience to make them feel seen, heard and understood ... sometimes that's all someone needs to help them move forward.”

In what she describes as a "passion project", Lily is currently leading the development of a practice innovation which will address gaps in how systems document, interpret and remember people.

"Documentation structures do more than record information - they shape how people are understood across services," she says.

But if not for QUT’s Learning Potential Fund, the path to her current role would not have existed.

“The scholarship gave me the means to move forward. It wasn't just about the money - it was effectively a bridge between intent and action,” Lily says.

“It was a life-changing opportunity.

“I look back with incredible appreciation … you're generally happier when you feel like you're contributing to the greater community; there's a sense of purpose.”

Lily stepped into a key support role shortly before the 2022 Lismore floods - and she says it is a “privilege” to assist those recovering from significant challenges such as a natural disaster, along with providing specialist mental health support in other critical areas.

“I'm one of the lucky people who gets up and looks forward to getting to work - and is happy in their job.

“It is really rewarding to sit with somebody and listen, be curious, understand their story and help them map out a direction to counter and overcome barriers or challenges.”

Growing up, Lily admits she was an “angry kid … (with) a challenging family dynamic” but in hindsight, her childhood adversity inspired her to help others.

“I was a D student in Years 8, 9, 10, not really putting in the effort or applying myself. It felt like my teachers perceived that I was a part of a cohort which … well, we’re not really going to bother.

“I identified that my only way out from the small region I was in was through academia, studying and applying myself.

“I felt very undeserving initially. It felt a bit daunting and out of reach to think about graduating from high school and moving out of the world that I'd known to branch into this other world of university.

“But I found a couple of positive influences, good social connections and role models, forged some friendships … and worked towards that goal with dedication and commitment.

“I applied myself, leaned into my supports, got good results and was able to access the Learning Potential Fund.

“I could take myself to Brisbane, find accommodation, go to uni, get a job ... and start my journey.”

At QUT, Lily studied a Bachelor of Justice, majoring in policy and governance. She also worked as a QUT student ambassador, supporting and encouraging other young people facing challenges and adversities to explore tertiary pathways.

She was able to connect one-on-one with those who may have walked a similar path – “hopefully giving them belief, inspiring them to take steps for themselves to break free from circumstances”.

“I really enjoy advocating in my role, going up against systems or processes that do not seem just or fair. And I wouldn't have been able to do that without having the opportunity to come to QUT and study. It provided me with the confidence and the tools.”

Looking forward, Lily hopes to inspire the next generation while assisting the current one.

“To be the first in my family to go to university - it brings pride to myself, and I hope it would bring pride to my family. I hope that it will encourage a new trajectory within my family structure.

“But without those LPF funds, my trajectory would be very different. I may not be as privileged as I am, to be in the position I am today - leveraging my lived experience to help others around me.”

To help more students like Lily reach their potential, donate to the Learning Potential Fund

All donations are matched dollar for dollar by QUT.