Ruby: “I want to amplify care-experienced voices”

Aside from recently graduating with Distinction, Ruby is also a youth advocate for the Commission for Children and Young People in Victoria, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and the Create Foundation.

“Young people with a care experience have so much potential, they have dreams just like anyone else. Young people need to be given that space to be able to thrive. All it takes is one person to believe in them and they can achieve what they want. I believe that everyone has a future – it’s theirs, it’s no one else’s – and it’s so bright.

Young people need to be nurtured. I believe that is currently lacking, and that scholarships like the one that I received are what’s going to set young people apart from others.

I know that there’s a lot of people trying to work towards change, and it is happening, slowly. And I think that needs to change.

We get cut off [financially] when we’re 21 years old, and then we’re expected to just go on and do life by ourselves. But other young people without a care experience are able to stay at home until they’re 25, 30 years old. Well, why don’t we get that support, and be expected to just survive, when we deserve to thrive?”

What drew you to study journalism?

Ruby: I grew up in care and felt like my voice didn’t matter. I think it’s important that everyone has a voice and that’s what I thought journalism was going to allow me to achieve.

I later found out I don’t want to be a journalist, but I’m going to use that degree to help amplify the voices of young people, and all people, across Australia and the world.

How did you feel when you were awarded a scholarship?

Ruby: Honestly, there are no words to explain how I felt.

For a moment I thought the scholarship was too good to be true. I was told that I wasn’t eligible for any scholarships at my university, and I knew I wanted to study – so I just looked up a scholarship – and there this scholarship was, which was absolutely mind-blowing.

In all honesty if it wasn’t for this scholarship I would never have been able to graduate. It is the only reason I was able to continue with my degree, so I think ‘thankful’ – if one word could sum it up, that would be what it is.

What would have been different for you without a scholarship?

Ruby: I’m from northeast Victoria, I used to live in the country. I moved to Melbourne and rent is so high and I knew no one there. I would have had to drop out, and I probably would have had to move away from Melbourne. And my life would not be how it is now.

I love my life now. It is amazing. And I make such a difference. And the scholarship helped me to achieve my dreams in more ways than one.

What quality has helped you get through the difficult times and up to this point in your life?

Ruby: Determination. Thanks to my determination I’ve been able to thrive, but it’s a constant thing I need to work on. I’ve had to be so determined and stubborn.

I was told my education didn’t matter when I was homeless at 17 years old and I said, ‘no my education does matter. I matter’.

How do you picture your future right now?

Ruby: There are so many possibilities, which is so exciting. I don’t want to hold myself to what I exactly want because when I put too much pressure on myself I miss out on opportunities.

I volunteer. I help hundreds of young people to be able to amplify their voices, even in Parliament. I have been told by young people that I have given them the confidence to advocate for themselves, and also see a future for themselves after care. I want to continue doing that.

I want to travel, and I want to create a future with my cat. She is such a big part of my life. I also want to see my siblings thrive. They are currently in care and that is why I do what I do, because of them.

I am currently creating a program to spread hope to young people who are experiencing disadvantage. I want to really work on that, and give myself space to thrive, and also be kind to myself.

There are so many possibilities in the world and I can’t wait to experience them and see what’s out there. Because there is so much out there and the world is so bright, I’m very excited.

About the Tertiary Scholarship Program

The Sisters of Charity Foundation awards tertiary scholarships to young people from out-of-home care backgrounds. Financial support helps recipients afford university or TAFE study expenses (course fees; textbooks; technology; and attending workshops, networking events and internships) as well as the cost of living on their own with no parental support. The scholarship lets them focus on their studies, rather than having to hold down multiple jobs or work full-time hours.

Main image L to R: Ruby, Sisters of Charity Foundation Program Development Manager Estelle Muller, scholarship recipient Owen.