First published 23 June 2020
Throughout her schooling years Freya’s family experienced separation, multiple moves and a period of homelessness but Freya relentlessly pursued her goal, working hard to be accepted into law school. As the first in her family to go to university she has now set her sights on a career in criminal law.
"For the majority of my life it was just my dad, my four brothers, and myself. When I was younger my dad stopped working in order to be a carer for my mother. But after my parents separated and my mother moved back to England we became homeless for a period of time.” In her final year of primary school, Freya and her family stayed with friends and family until they were able to move into a council house, this would be one of three they would stay in before finding a stable rental they could call home. “My dad always worked hard to provide for my brothers and I the best that he could despite financial strain,” she said.
Freya continued her extracurricular music activities, playing the violin from years 5-12 while studying hard to get the best OP score she could. “My dad always told me growing up that I would make an excellent lawyer one day. I don’t know where I would be without his support. He always puts his kids first before anything and always tried his best to give me every opportunity he could.”
When Freya was accepted to study Law at QUT, she was also awarded the QUT Faculty of Law Founders’ Scholarship. “Being awarded the Law Founders’ Scholarship was amazing. It felt as though all of my hard work in the face of all that hardship was worth the effort. This scholarship has provided me with so much support that I will always be thankful for.”
The QUT Faculty of Law Founders’ scholarship is funded by donations from QUT staff, alumni, and members of the legal community. It provides not just financial support, but also mentoring and networking opportunities to disadvantaged first-year law students.
“The scholarship program really helps you to step into the world of the legal profession. My experience has been excellent and full of opportunity. Through Law Founders’ I have been involved in networking events, met important members of the Brisbane legal community and had mentoring from amazing and supportive members of the law faculty. Law Founders’ really does help people. It helps people like myself, who come from a background of economic hardship to study without unnecessary stress and provides us with opportunities we would not have been able to participate in without the scholarship. I’ve met so many amazing people that I would not have without Law Founders’," she said.
“My goals motivate me to work hard. Once I set out to do something, like getting into law school or finishing my degree, I won’t stop until I get the job done.”
Freya is due to graduate her Bachelor of Justice/ Bachelor of Laws (Honours) in July 2024, “My journey to QUT to study law was filled with difficulties and late nights studying hard but the journey has been worth it. Studying law is amazing and the faculty are always supportive and try their best to help you. Resilience to me means working hard no matter what problems or hardship you face. To be resilient is to keep on going in the face of those difficulties.”
Since its inception in 1997 the QUT Faculty of Law Founders' Scholarship Fund has provided support for over 80 Law students, helping them to realise their potential and make a difference in their communities. If you would like to find out more about the QUT Faculty of Law Founders’ scholarship, visit the website.
If you would like to support other students like Freya, donate here.
