W
hile most Year 12 students are still deciding what to do after finishing school, St Francis College Crestmead student Tiana Darby-Iuli has already earned her ticket to university life, securing early entry through ACU's Step Up program.
Passing two university subjects this year has guaranteed Tiana a place at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in 2025, opening doors to a dual degree in sport and exercise science and secondary education.
Tiana’s university success was made possible thanks to ACU's Equity Pathways Team and its innovative program - Uni Step Up for First Nations students.
The program empowers students to enrol in university subjects alongside their school curriculum to provide a unique opportunity to experience tertiary education before completing Year 12.
Tiana, who is also a Family Group Leader, thanked St Francis College Indigenous Teacher
Rachel Kilby for suggesting the program to her.
“Miss Kilby thought it would be a good fit for me, believing it would help me realise my aspirations for my future and she was right,” she said.
“I have a big passion for rugby and inspired by Miss Kilby, I want to use my early entry to ACU to pursue a career as a physical education teacher.
“I’m so excited to study at ACU next year and my family are very proud I am keeping our family’s Catholic faith alive.
“As a Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) student, I really hope my ACU journey leads me to becoming a BCE educator someday.
“For anyone thinking about undertaking the Uni Step Up program, I would recommend it.
“It gave me the chance to take university subjects while still in school, which was an amazing head start on my university journey.”
St Francis College Principal Michelle Kelly said the College encouraged students to participate in the Uni Step Up program.
“The program not only helps students gain entry into university but also gives them a glimpse into what university life is like,” she said.
“Many students are anxious about transitioning and this program helps transition students to university.
“Another benefit of this program is that it gets students interested in university before they have finished school.
“When students share their positive experiences with their peers, it encourages others to get involved.
“We are always looking for pathways that best suit our students, and programs like this are excellent opportunities for students to explore their options and ambitions.”
To add to her accomplishments Tiana has also been selected to emcee Griffith University Logan’s Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation graduation ceremony in August.
For more information about St Francis College Crestmead or to enrol click here.
About ACU Uni Step Up program:
Uni Step-Up is a chance for students to experience university life by studying two first-year units while still in senior secondary school.
Students get a head start at university, develop university level study skills, and discover more about their potential degree.
Uni Step-Up is delivered in two formats at ACU. An on-campus program is delivered during the winter and summer school holidays, and an online program for regional students.
The program runs across four subject areas: business, criminology, nursing, midwifery and paramedicine, and sports and exercise science.
About NAIDOC Week:
NAIDOC WEEK celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.