WIC Graduate Student Riley McElhone
Riley McElhone, a proud Wiradjuri woman, and now Bachelor of Primary Education Honours graduate shares her experience in completing her degree at the University of Wollongong.
Having grown up around the Wollongong area, Riley chose UOW due to its welcoming nature, campus amenities and her established connection to the Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, due to her Mum’s previous studies.
Riley was inspired to pursue a degree in Primary Education as a result of her negative experience as a First Nations woman throughout her time at school. Following in the footsteps of her own Indigenous mentor, she aspires to be a role model and voice for the younger generations.
Whilst completing her studies, Riley fell in love with the back end of education, namely curriculum and policy, and is motivated to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, whilst pushing for systemic change to “fix the system from the inside out”.
Following the transition online during the Covid-19 pandemic, Riley highlights the efforts of academics to value students as more than just a number, whilst accommodating the difficulties of online learning.
“One on one connections with academics and students helped get me through the change and resilience during online studies”.
Returning to campus allowed Riley to fall in love with the research and academic space provided by UOW, helping her to realise the potential of study and where it can take you.
Riley encourages new and returning students to be open to change and say yes to opportunities that arise throughout university.
“You’re at uni for a short time period, try and make the most out of your degree. Be open to change and saying yes, don’t think that the path you set in your first year will stay the same at the end of your studies”.
Huge congratulations on completing a Bachelor of Primary Education Honours, Class 1 Riley!