Stephanie Bloxsome is the recipient of the 2019 Freilich Indigenous Student Scholarship in Law.

Why did you choose to study law?

Knowing there isn’t enough Indigenous representation in that field, particularly among women, really motivated my decision to study law. A legal researcher from the native title unit at Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), where I was working, persuaded me to revisit law as a postgraduate student. His message to me was: "Do law, get your foot in, and then see where you go."

Who has been your most influential academic and why?

Dr Lisa Strelein, an adjunct professor at the National Centre for Indigenous Studies, has instilled in me the desire to remain active in Indigenous affairs.

What are your next steps, planned or aspired, after graduation? 

I do not want to be too narrow, but it would be really cool to work in Nowra Courts. It would be amazing to work in the legal sector – if you’re going to do it, you may as well do it 100 percent. My mum has worked in Indigenous service-delivery jobs and it is quite draining, especially because mob just know you and it can be quite hard. Working as a lawyer in my own community would be inspiring for the younger kids.

Read about how the scholarship inspired Stephanie to serve the Indigenous community here.