Top Indigenous grad wins UC medal
Kristyn Comino
15 April 2014: Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) graduate Teresa (Tess) Ryan was the recipient of the University Medal for the First Class Honours student with the highest grade point average, with the humble student saying when she found out, she questioned if that was correct.
“I asked: ‘are you sure they haven’t made a mistake?’ I’m really honoured, especially when I think back to when I first started and how far I’ve come. I’ve learnt a lot about myself and I’m really proud that I’ve developed so much resilience and kept pushing myself to achieve,” Ms Ryan said.
“My decision to study at university was not an easy one. As a single parent with health issues, it would have been easier to continue work and follow my career path, rather than turn my life upside down and study full-time. But sacrifices had to be made, in order for me to make changes in my life.”
For her honours project the Biripi woman looked into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander political engagement in Australia, including topics like constitutional recognition and by examining the “rise and fall” of the former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.
“I found there is not a general consensus about Indigenous political engagement, there are lots of ideas but there is nothing tangible about how to create change for Indigenous people in Australia,” Ms Ryan said.
“People want different things and there needs to be more conversations, more representation and more media output to help bring these specific ideas into one forum.”
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Tess Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) and is continuing her studies through a PhD. Photo: Michelle McAulay |
Having previously completed a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies, she is now “scared and excited” to start a PhD at the University, where she is looking into leadership models for Indigenous women.
“I feel like at the University of Canberra I have found a belonging place that fits all the identities that are within me,” she said of continuing to study at the University.
She said she found the support centre for Indigenous students – the Ngunnawal Centre – particularly useful as a “hub” to study in and meet with fellow Indigenous students.
“It’s been great to see an increasing number of students using the Centre, it’s a really positive environment.”
Ms Ryan was also the student speaker at her ceremony, which her 70-year-old mother attended along with her friend and fellow honours graduate Wendy Somerville.
Read more University of Canberra graduation stories:
Grad’s anatomy: from classroom to mortuary
Canberra CEO awarded honorary degree
Honorary degree for first ACT Chief Minister
Graduate explores Indigenous identity
Hakim hopes to help others
Typhoon didn't stop graduate's degree dream
Alumna Alison's amazing Sydney adventure
Passion for nursing leads to PhD
Olympic grads dive into education
Mainstream music biz off key for Indigenous acts
UC sports grad now coaching in Japan
