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View all programs Sedef sets big challenges for herself and rises to them
05 July 2023
At age 5, Sedef moved to Australia with her sister and single mum. Despite English being a new language, she excelled at learning and speaking with others at school.
Sedef was in her element in the classroom. As well as enjoying learning, she loved the social side and quickly realised she had a knack for connecting with people and getting to know them. She was fascinated by the way the mind works and was interested in hearing what people were thinking.
When Sedef started dreaming about what she might do after school, the ambitious 12-year-old decided on psychology.
"I did my research, and I came to love psychology. My passion grew more and more. I never had any doubt I was going to pursue psychology at university one day,” Sedef remembers.
She fixed her sights and vowed to chase her dream.
The Smith Family was there to help me grow and remind me that I always had a support network to turn to.
“University was always a dream for me, especially considering my background. When I felt like I wasn't as experienced as other people – or had the skills they had – The Smith Family was there to help me grow and remind me that I always had a support network to turn to,” says Sedef.
Sedef didn’t let poverty hold her back from her dream. She continued to hone her skills by participating in our out-of-school learning and mentoring programs. Thanks to our generous supporters, Sedef was able to participate in iTrack, our out-of-school career mentoring program. Through iTrack Sedef was partnered with a trained volunteer mentor.
"I remember my mentor was a lovely person who was really willing to help and share her experiences with me," recalls Sedef. “Hearing about my mentor’s professional development motivated me and pushed me towards growth.
"The [iTrack] program was so impactful. It’s a program that provides students like me the opportunity to have conversations that we might not be accustomed to having at a young age. I was able to gain an insight into the world of working and what was possible. It also helped me delve into my passions, strengths, and weaknesses, and strengthened my aspiration to go to university.”
With hard work and the support of The Smith Family, her teachers and family - Sedef achieved that dream.
“I'm now in my third year studying for a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours),” she says.
Ever resilient and determined, Sedef is exactly where she hoped to be – and she’s aiming even higher. She is now a mentor herself, helping with study and career opportunities for both high school and university students.
“After graduating from my fourth year, I’m hoping to get a counsellor role and gain some experience. I might also go back to university, do my masters and become a qualified clinical psychologist.”
Sedef’s long-term plans are well and truly in action.
