Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs Kaytlyn's boost to reach big goals
23 August 2022
Growing up on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Kaytlyn dreamt of one day going to university. However, instability at home and living in a small, remote community made her goals feel out of reach.
Kaytlyn joined our Learning for Life program in high school. Support from a generous sponsor gave Kaytlyn the opportunity to create a better future for herself.
“I always had the vision that I would go to university, but there were a lot of unknowns,” Kaytlyn, 21, says. “I didn’t know how I was going to get there because of my family’s financial situation at the time. There were never any real conversations about how university would be funded, or where I was heading.
“I was lucky to connect with The Smith Family and that was where things kicked off. The Smith Family was there to help me in the transition and have that confidence and security to move away.
“I still feel grateful that someone would donate their own, hard-earned money to a child in need. It’s these people who don’t even want the thanks or the accolade of helping. They’re just there to help you.”
Kaytlyn reached her dream of going to university, moving to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Science, specialising in climate change. “Natalie, my Learning for Life Coordinator, was super helpful – particularly in COVID times. I was able to call her and talk about it, and she always kept in touch with me. “So, it’s not just that financial confidence and stability that’s provided, but sponsorship also gave me that one-on-one mentorship, or mental support.”
Empowered by her sponsorship, Kaytlyn has become an inspiring young leader. She is a key member of Project O, an initiative that empowers young rural women to develop new skills, connect with their communities, and use their voices to campaign for change.
Her leadership and passion were recognised this year when she had the honour of being named Young Australian of The Year for Tasmania.
“I’ve been given a platform to speak out about the issues that are important to me,” Kaytlyn says. “The importance of inclusion of Indigenous people in our communities; the importance of taking action on climate change and the importance of giving young people a voice. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to speak about what I care about. I’d love to just squeeze the most out of that and make the most of every opportunity that I get.”
Kaytlyn always had the drive to conquer her situation, but the financial and personal support provided by her sponsor smoothed her path. Sometimes sponsorship is the boost a young person needs to know their potential – and to know they can go for it.
Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2022 edition of Real People Real Stories
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