Taylor Thompson

My name is Taylah Thompson, I am nyoongar yamatji, with Thalanji connections. I am also a 26-year-old, mature age student currently in my 3rd year of psychology.

Alongside my study, I work part-time at the Department of Communities – Child Protection as a family support worker in Midland. Outside of my study and work-time I have my family commitments, this includes caring for my two younger siblings in my care which I have done so for the past 4 years, due to family breakdown. These circumstances in which we grew up in, was plagued by a lot of family domestic violence fuelled by substance misuse as a result of trauma and intergenerational trauma impacted on relations before us. This trauma my relations, and many other Aboriginal peoples, have shaped me as a person today. These experiences further motivate me to complete my degree in psychology so I can help other families and young people, particularly ATSI peoples, with similar backgrounds and circumstances. I hope to do this by being a role model in my family, completing my degree and learn how I can best help break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and close the gap in Aboriginal Health. 

I believe if we begin by healing within our self, there is a good chance we can continue and help to heal those we care for – our families heal. And by healing our families, we can further heal our communities, and therefore begin healing our culture as a whole.

Being a recipient of the Tracy Westerman Psychology scholarship has not only motivated me more to pursue my academic goals, it has relieved a lot of financial stress personally as well as for my family, further allowing me to focus on my study and reach my goal of completing my undergrad and masters, with hope to be employed in a role where I can work with young aboriginal people and their families.