How Kaylene Sambo has found room in her heart for Doomadgee and Djarragun
A “home away from home”. That’s how Year 12 student Kaylene Sambo describes her boarding experience at Djarragun College. “Djarragun College is a great school,” she said. “It’s improved so much over the years.”
Kaylene started her boarding journey five years ago from Doomadgee and quickly settled into life at Djarragun College. “The College helped me achieve a lot of things and I will be proud to graduate from Djarragun College.” she said
Being so far away from home, Kaylene looked to find ways to remain connected to Country and found it through painting. She is currently completing a Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts and says that each time she paints it helps her overcomes homesickness and reflect on her culture. “There are days where I miss home,” she said. “Painting helps me reflect on the good times of being on Country with family, Ganggalidda – Old Doomadgee.”
However, even when she goes home for school holidays, her mind isn’t too far from Djarragun.
“When I return home to community, I always look forward to another term,” she said. “Being on my Country, is healing but can come with distractions. Being at school helps me escape all of that and focus on my goals.” One of her goals was to become a Boarder Captain, something Kaylene achieved for year final her as student at Djarragun.
After arriving as a self-described “young and mischievous” teenager, she credits her family and the staff at the College for her new-found maturity and direction.
“I had constant conversations with loved ones, especially Aunty Nola, just exchanging knowledge and getting guidance,” she said. “I am proud of myself and how far I have come to be a Border Captain.”
Kaylene knows she is now a role model to the younger girls at boarding and is happy to pass down the advice she found helpful: “If you put your mind to anything you can accomplish anything.” Kaylene said.
As the year progresses, many Year 12 students are starting to think about life after Djarragun, but Kaylene is already planning her return. Her unbreakable connection with the College has given her a burning desire to return as a House Parent after school.
“Djarragun College is a home away from home for me.” Kaylene said. “Coming back as a House Parent will be an opportunity to empower others.”