In 2015, Kyle McDonald, a young student from remote southwest Queensland, embarked on a life-changing journey through The University of Queensland's InspireU Program. For Kyle, the experience opened doors he once thought were firmly shut.
"I had never even seen a university before attending InspireU," Kyle recalls.
"Getting hands-on with engineering projects, like model rockets and fire tornados, was truly inspiring. It showed me that studying engineering could be my path to creating and building innovative solutions."
Growing up, Kyle excelled in science and mathematics but faced significant barriers, including financial constraints and limited exposure to higher education. "It would be a big lifestyle change, and I would truly be stepping into the unknown," Kyle explains.
"I would be the first in my family to pursue further education and the first to live in a big city."
"I didn’t know how I’d afford university—there was a lot of uncertainty about the costs and when you had to pay. I didn’t even know HECS was a thing. My family couldn’t afford to help me financially, so I worried about how I would afford accommodation and living expenses, never mind if I could even get in."
Despite these challenges, Kyle’s persistence, the support of his community, and scholarships enabled him to secure a place at university. He completed his mechanical engineering degree in five years, supported by Abstudy and various scholarships. Along the way, internships broadened his horizons, leading him to diverse roles in research, consulting, and even the maintenance of military aircraft.
Today, Kyle works at Boeing Australia, contributing to Australian Defence Force projects. Reflecting on his journey, he said,
"While my future is uncertain, my engineering background will always be an asset. I wouldn’t be here without the Inspire U camp."
The Inspire U program continues to provide life-changing opportunities for Indigenous students, offering them the support and inspiration to pursue their dreams.
