St Ursula’s College Toowoomba student Laura Beschel fights stereotypes, accepted into CareerTrackers work experience

Passionate about closing the gap and combating social injustices, a Toowoomba student has received an incredible opportunity which will assist her to turn her dreams into reality. Details here.

Growing up, Torres Strait Islander teen Laura Beschel has always felt the need to prove herself and show First Nations people do not fit generalised statistics.

The senior high school student, who was born in Papua New Guinea and moved to Toowoomba in 2014, said she believed society had a long way to go to close the gap.

“Toowoomba has provided us with so many opportunities in education, income, stable living and overall a safer environment,” Ms Beschel said.

“But I still get stereotyped a lot because of my race and age.”

Passionate about fighting social injustices and inequality, Ms Beschel has always wanted to pursue a career in law to help others and make a difference.

Torres Strait Islander teen St Ursula's College student Laura Beschel recently undertook a 'Work Shadow Week' through CareerTrackers allowing her to experience working in an Indigenous-led company. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The St Ursula’s College student completed a week-long Work Shadow Week through CareerTrackers, providing her with industry experience in the field of her choice.

As part of the program she undertook over the summer school holidays, Ms Beschel was mentored by Aboriginal lawyer Trent Wallace at the Ashurst law firm in Brisbane.

In addition to learning about important issues including The Voice to Parliament referendum, the 17-year-old student said the experience restored her confidence and belief in her abilities to achieve her dreams.

“(Trent Wallace) spoke a lot about his experiences and just how far he’s come since he left high school,” Ms Beschel said.

“Seeing an Indigenous person in a very respected role has really encouraged me to go for every opportunity.

Torres Strait Islander teen St Ursula's College student Laura Beschel recently undertook a 'Work Shadow Week' through CareerTrackers allowing her to experience working in an Indigenous-led company. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“It’s really important because in my experience I haven’t seen many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people recognised in the community.”

The young Toowoomba woman said her advice for other Indigenous students was to find the right support system.

When Ms Beschel graduates from high school this year, she plans to study a Bachelor of Justice at university.

CareerTrackers is a national non-profit organisation designed to create pathways for young Indigenous people in education.

The organisation was one of five not-for-profits to receive a grant from the Salesforce Catalyst Fund totalling more than AUD $1.4 million.

These grants helped to deliver more work experience opportunities for First Nations students.

CareerTrackers high school programs manager Ann-Maree Long said the organisation had a 'deadly community' and she was excited to see young Indigenous people inform change, while feeling supported in their culture and spirit. 

"The grant from Salesforce’s Catalyst Fund will allow CareerTrackers High School Program to support even more students like Laura with opportunities that have the potential to set the trajectory of their future careers.

"We are committed to providing First Nations students access to internships, work experience and mentoring to help them feel empowered to pursue any occupation, industry and workplace they put their mind to."