First Year Profile: Daen Phillips
Where are you from?
strive ahead in life and pave a pathway for them
I am a Kamilaroi and Yorta Yorta boy. I was born so they too can reach their desired goals. I want
in Penrith but raised in Woolloomooloo.
to be a role model for my younger cousins so
they can go to university and gain a tertiary
What are you studying?
education.
I study a Bachelor of Commerce, however, I am Being a first year is challenging, what kind
hoping to combine my degree with Law after
of support is availble to you and why is this
this year.
important?
Why did you choose UNSW?
The support is absolutely amazing and all of
the staff are genuinely great people who love
to help you when you’re in need. Not only that,
but UNSW offers one of the best commerce
degrees in Australia and is ranked 12th in the
world (above Yale in the United States!)
What role does Nura GIli play in your life as
a student?
Nura Gili is practically another family and they
always have their door open. They are always
happy to help in many different ways, whether
it’s just advice, support for assignments or just
getting a mad feed! It is because of these things
that Nura Gili has had a huge impact in helping
me strive ahead and reach my goals.
What plans do you have for the future?
I plan to act as a catalyst for all of my mob to
Nura Gili offers the best support to students
than any other place I’ve been to. This includes
the ITP tutoring which allows each Indigenous
student two hours private tutoring each week for
every subject they do. As a first year, it’s
amazing to interact with the tutors who offer
such great advice on studying. Not only this, the
ITP tutoring is such a great initiative as it
allows me to get a better and deeper
understanding of concepts that were difficult to
understand in class. I highly reccommend
taking advantage of such a great program!
What advice can you offer anyone
considering studying at UNSW?
If you can - DO THE PRE-PROGRAM!!! It is
amazing. You will get to meet lifelong friends as
well as study in a faculty you have a passion for
and once completed, you have the opportunity
to be offered a place in your chosen faculty.
Take full advantage of this - it is definitely worth
the four weeks!!
Final Year Profile:
Jessica Russ-Smith
Where are you from?
I am a Wiradjuri woman from central New
South Wales and my family is originally
from the Wellington and Dubbo area.
What are you studying?
I am studying a Bachelor of Social Work
with a selected Honours component. I am from
the old Social Work degree.
What year of your degree are you in?
I am in my final year and the Honors
component is an extra six months on top
of the four-year Bachelor.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue teaching in Social Work
and I’m also really keen to get back into
working in the community in domestic
and family violence, which is my other
interest area. I am excited to jump straight into
the Social Work field and start helping people
find empowerment.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 10
years?
What does Nura Gili mean to you?
What advice can you offer Indigenous
students who are considering studying at
UNSW?
Nura Gili to me is really special. It is about
family and opportunity. I was an Alternative
Admissions student through Nura Gili, and
without that opportunity I don’t think I would’ve
been able to get into uni or have the journey
I’ve had at uni. Throughout the years I’ve had
some challenges arise, just as everyone does,
and they’ve been a continuous support and
community for me throughout it and I’m just
really grateful for it.
Daen Phillips
(right) with
Cameron
Howe,
first year
Commerce
student.
14
In 10 years I hope to continue teaching in
Social Work and I would love to complete my
PhD to continue on from my Honours thesis
about Aboriginal identity and certificates.
Never forget that you deserve a higher
education and to embrace your resources
around you and your support systems, like
Nura Gili, because if you really embrace all
of those supports you will transform into this
incredible student with confidence and you