Sarah’s story reflects the determination and resilience of many young people seeking a fresh start, culminating in her impressive achievement of an ATAR of 96.55 in the 2024 HSC.
After arriving in Australia as a refugee, Sarah’s journey from adapting to a new education system to excelling in her HSC at Mary MacKillop Catholic College was made possible with the support of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF).
Originally from war-torn Iraq, Sarah and her family lived in Jordan before resettling in Australia. Adjusting to a new environment came with challenges, as her family focused on priorities like securing housing, employment, and stability.
“My access to educational resources was limited, but the CEF gave me greater opportunities in education that I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise,” Sarah explains.
The CEF bursary provided more than just financial relief. It gave Sarah the confidence to embrace her education fully. “Receiving the bursary showed me that people believed in my potential,” she says. “It inspired me to work hard, give back to my community, and help others who face similar challenges.”
Speaking about the Foundation’s commitment to supporting refugee students, Kathleen Badolato, Supervisor at the CEF, explained: “The Catholic Education Foundation is dedicated to supporting students like Sarah, who show incredible resilience and determination despite the challenges they face”.
“Sarah’s story demonstrates how, with the right guidance and resources, refugee students can unlock their full potential and build a future filled with opportunity and hope.”
When Sarah started at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, English was her fourth language. After only two to three years of learning the language, she ranked second among more than 150 students in Year 10 English.
One of her proudest accomplishments was her success in Legal Studies, where she earned first place in her course. Encouraged by a Commerce teacher in earlier years and inspired by her Legal Studies teacher, Sarah discovered her passion for law and her long-term ambition of becoming a judge.
Sarah also found opportunities to lead and grow. As a Learning Captain, she developed skills in leadership, collaboration, and impartiality. These experiences, along with support from her school community, reinforced her commitment to ensuring equal access to education for others.
Looking ahead, Sarah plans to study law, where she hopes to continue her journey toward a legal career.
She also tutors high school students in subjects such as Legal Studies, Religion, and English, sharing her knowledge to support others in achieving their goals.
For students facing similar challenges, Sarah’s advice is clear: “Never underestimate your potential and always look for opportunities like those provided by CEF. They are there to help you unlock what you’re capable of.”
The CEF has been a key part of Sarah’s success, helping her navigate challenges and stay focused on her goals.Her story is a reminder that with determination, support, and opportunity, young people like Sarah can not only change their own futures but also inspire those around them.
