G’day, my name is Ben and I am proud Gamilaroi man. My life was changed significantly at the age of 17 when I was struck down with Stiff Persons Syndrome (SPS), which has certainly changed my outlook on life. At my worse, my bubbly and vibrant nature was compromised, I felt lost and fragmented, forcing me to reconsider my direction.
It took some time but I like to think I have finally found my path. As a result of SPS, I didn’t get to finish High School. I joined UOW College Pathways in 2014 – which I am extremely grateful for – in 2017 I was accepted to study at UOW. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts, Visual Arts & Design, part time and am in my 4th year of study. I am preparing for the final stages of my degree and in an attempt to hit the apex I am trying get into the Automotive Industry, specifically Automotive Design. With this in mind, for my major and final project, I am intending to design a car. This will involve hand drawings, digital drawings, a 3D printed model and a clay model. To achieve this with the level of detail I expect of myself, I believe I will need two lots of work experience, the first being Graphic Design with an element of 3D Design and the second, which is vitally important, would be Automotive Design. This experience will not only help with this project but it’ll hopefully line me up with a future career path. I know the chances of getting into the industry are slim which is why I am keeping my options open but it’s not going to hurt to strive for success.
I would like to specially thank Walter and Eliza Hall Trust for the scholarship, giving me a wheelie good opportunity to keep rolling no matter what!
Ben Oakley
*if anyone has any contacts that could help make Ben’s goals and dreams a reality please contact Adam Ridgeway at Woolyungah.
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