Every person has a unique perspective on the way the world has shaped them, and everyone has a unique story to convey how they walk the earth. My family, my passions, and the opportunities in my life have influenced the determined, enthusiastic, and grateful woman that I am today. Here is a glimpse of my story.
By Macey Bennett
My name is Macey, I am 18 years old, and I am from Townsville, Queensland. I have a small family that consists of my younger brother and my mum. My dad was in the Air Force and unfortunately died when I was four years old. I also had a brother who passed away because of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia as a baby. Even though these devastating situations put my family in some tough circumstances, they are experiences that have shaped me into the strong-minded person that I am today.
When I was growing up, the thought of going to university seemed almost impossible. No one in my family had ever enrolled in university and the costs seemed way out of reach.
However, I have always had a little fire in my belly and have always strived for greatness, knowing that no goal of mine was ever out of reach. I am studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Creative Industries majoring in Communication at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. Sometimes I pinch myself because I am the luckiest girl in the world. Without the support of AVCAT and the Australian War Widows Queensland Scholarship, I would never have been able to move away from home and achieve my dream of studying to become a lawyer.
Although I miss my family incredibly much, I have fully immersed myself in every opportunity that comes my way. While studying at Duchesne College, I have been heavily involved in the teams of Debating, Swimming, Public Speaking, One Act Play, Athletics, Cross Country, Opera on the Lawn and Choir. I have also been heavily involved in leadership and was nominated as First Year Representative for 2021 and for Service Convener on the Student Executive Team for 2022. At the University of Queensland Club & Sports Awards night, I was also awarded the Spirit of the Inter-College Council.
This year has been the best year of my life, and studying full-time has given me so many incredible opportunities. My degree is five and a half years long and I am incredibly grateful to AVCAT for supporting me on this journey that I will cherish forever. I hope to continue to study hard, yet continue to get involved in all the activities that surround me so that I can one day achieve my dreams of becoming a lawyer and making a difference in our society.
Macey was awarded the Australian War Widows Queensland Scholarship in 2021.