A good education can mean many things. For Guomoy Murphy, it means listening, learning and making the most of the opportunities you’ve been given. Coming from Cape York, where Year 12 completion rates can be as low as 5 per cent and opportunities are limited, Guomoy is proving what’s possible when you take hold of them with both hands.
At just 12 years old, Guomoy took his first steps on a path that would shape his future by joining the Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP). Leaving his community of Hope Vale and adjusting to life at boarding school presented many challenges, but it also taught him valuable lessons in independence. “Moving away from Hope Vale was scary,” Guomoy said. “But it taught me to step out of my comfort zone and make some of my own decisions.”
Being part of CYLP, which has a 94 per cent Year 12 completion rate, Guomoy’s journey to completing high school is a big personal achievement as well as a way to close the education and employment gap for future generations. Guomoy knows that educational opportunities in Cape York are limited, and he’s determined to make the most of this one, using education to shape a better future for himself and his community.
The experience hasn’t always been easy, but it gave him the confidence to face obstacles on his own. “I learned how to take responsibility for myself,” he said.
To cope with the stress of being away from home, Guomoy embraced healthy strategies. “Talking to people, getting into sports, learning new ways to solve things and asking for help really made a difference,” he said.
One of Guomoy’s favourite subjects is Rec, which has become a vital outlet for him. It helps him stay active and focused, helping with the homesickness he sometimes feels. “I like to be active, and in that class, we do a lot of running, swimming and stuff,” he explained. “It helps me stay focused on why I’m here.”
Throughout his high school years, CYLP has played a key role in supporting him, both academically and personally. “CYLP has helped me in so many ways, even with the little things, like getting my formal suit organised,” Guomoy shared. “They helped me with the big things too like paying for driving lessons, things I probably wouldn’t have been able to do back home.”
Guomoy credits his School Support Officer (SSO) for helping him stay on track and mature throughout his journey. “She’s been a huge help. She helped me find someone to talk to about my problems and supported me through it all.”
Now in Year 12, Guomoy is focused on setting himself up for life after school. “What I’m aiming to get out of everything – CYLP and school – is to set myself up for the future,” he said. “To know right from wrong and to create a new lifestyle for myself, one that doesn’t fall into bad habits.”
Guomoy’s journey shows the power of education, personal growth and the support of a community that believes in his potential. With the skills he’s gained, he’s not only paving the way for his own success but also inspiring others in his community to follow in his footsteps.
