Tell us your name and where you’re from:
Hayden Walker from Ballarat, Victoria. Dad is Wiradjuri mob from Cootamundra NSW.
Why did you choose to study the Bachelor of Laws?
I chose to study law for an academic challenge, to be able to help others in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and to further help close the education gap for us mob.
” Remember who you are and who you represent. There will be those that try and put you down but remember this – these people only make you stronger.”
What made you choose Deakin?
It is brilliant. What an opportunity to not only study, but also be able to have a gathering place where you can yarn and talk about the dreams and aspirations for our people.
What kind of commitments did you have to juggle in between studying?
Caring for my elderly father hasn’t at all been hard he is a gem and an inspiration.
Looking after my two-year-old son has been brilliant, he is the future but again an inspiration. I hope one day he follows in his father’s footsteps and thinks if dad can do this for our mob I can as well.
Working part time was important because it gave me a break from study. Whatever you can do to break up your study do it. Don’t study all the time because it’s not good for your health or your capacity to study to the best for your ability.
What did you find best about NIKERI?
The support and encouragement always was forthcoming.
Apply for the scholarships offered and use the money wisely. The added financial support can so get you through and help you achieve your ultimate goal.
My tutor Natalie (organised through the Indigenous Tutorial Network at NIKERI) was an absolute gun and legend. I highly recommend her as she is a brilliant Indigenous lawyer, a kind beautiful soul and also a warrior for us mob.
What were the biggest challenges of studying?
My son Francis (Frankie) birth in 2017 was the biggest challenge. Going from joy at birth to three days later having him rushed to the RCH in intensive care for a rare genetic condition was beyond belief. For four weeks we didn’t know what was going to happen and the reality was didn’t know if he was going to live or die. He did pull through and this experience completely changed me. I took 6 months off from study but did return to successfully complete my law degree. It’s ok if you need time to step back and remember these two things – tell those close to you that you love them and seize the moment – life is too fragile to second guess what could have been. Just go for it and don’t care about anyone who tells you can’t achieve what you have set out to do. We are intelligent people we can do anything; we have 60,000+ years of knowledge.
“We are intelligent people we can do anything; we have 60,000+ years of knowledge.”
What are you hoping to get out of your degree? Plans for the future?
You only get out what you put in. If you give your all you can achieve anything. I was so happy and so proud for my people when I found out that I completed the Bachelor of Laws with honours.
I applied for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate Law program with VLA (Victorian Legal Aid) and was successful in gaining a position. My plan is to use my degree to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, a simple one but so very important for us all.
Any advice you’d like to share with our students?
- Seize every opportunity you can get. A degree is not easy, you must do the work it is that simple. Seize every opportunity that can help you gain your ultimate goal. Always remember that you are the one that has to the work no one is going to do it for you.
- Don’t be scared of failure as being scared is a sign you are fair dinkum about what you want.
- Yarn with others from NIKERI. Let out your frustrations if need be and don’t bottle things up.
- Use the block time at NIKERI to your advantage ask every question that you can think of that you want answered.
- Use Deakin Talent. They are amazing and will help you along your journey.
- Volunteer work is so important. Seize any volunteer work you can get that is relevant to your degree. I volunteered at the Fitzroy Legal Service, The Mental Health Legal Centre and Court Networking.
- Go for it and apply for the Aurora project. I spent five weeks in Kununurra WA with the Family Law Services and took from it not just practical experience, but cultural experience as well.
- Get a tutor. The best people to have a yarn with and to help you. Remember they are their guide you not to do the work for you.
- Attend as many networking events as many as you can. Don’t be shy but don’t be too up front as well, a balance between the two is the perfect fit.
- Remember who you are and who you represent. There will be those that try and put you down but remember this – these people only make you stronger.
I too was in a lot of your shoes staring down at a degree and thinking I will never get this done. You will and with perseverance you can do it – you are your own destiny.