2017 Graduates

Serena is a Warumungu, Warlpiri & Kaytetye woman based in Darwin, NT.

She graduated Year 12 in 2017 and was a part of the second Stars cohort to graduate at Casuarina Senior College in Darwin, NT.

Serena recalls the most important thing Stars has taught is that there are never failures in life, only lessons to learn from and with that come opportunities for growth and resilience.

Following many career paths since then, Serena is currently employed as Acting Program Coordinator with Stars Foundation at the Haileybury Rendall School program working with students from Years 7-12.

“The best thing about Stars growing up was the room and staff always being a safe space for me. The Mentors provided a lot of advice and were always very supportive,” said Serena.

“My fondest memory of Stars was being asked to deliver a speech in Year 12 on behalf of my cohort, which explained what it meant for our year level being in Stars and what it meant for us to be graduating.

I would love for any young First Nations girls who are going to consider joining Stars to know that this is a safe space for all and the Mentors are our biggest advocates. It’s important for them to know that there are so many opportunities in this world for them and to always stand tall.”

In future, Senera plans to compliment her current role by studying a degree in secondary education or a diploma in social science.