Fuelled by purpose, powered by support
From a young age, Kalyna Markwell was drawn to understanding human behaviour and helping others. That passion – sparked by personal experiences and shaped by her family’s journey as foster carers – ultimately led her to study psychology at CQUniversity.
“I saw my first counsellor at 11, and it really inspired me,” Kalyna said. “When my family began fostering, I became an older sister to children with complex emotional needs. That experience helped shape who I am and sparked my interest in trauma, resilience and child development.”
Kalyna enrolled in the Bachelor of Psychological Science at CQU in 2022 and has since graduated and embarked on her Honours, with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.
A proud First Nations woman, she is passionate about combining cultural knowledge with formal training in her future practice.
“I want to work with other First Nations psychologists and Indigenous organisations to ensure treatment is respectful, inclusive and culturally informed,” she said.
Her journey has been supported by the CQUniCares SAMco Renewable Energy Scholarship, awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying eligible degrees in Central Queensland regions.
Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company (SAMCo) is a Queensland-based provider of operations and maintenance services for clean energy generation and storage.
The scholarship reflects SAMCo’s commitment to investing in local talent and helping build stronger, more inclusive communities where it operates.
“For us, it’s about more than energy,” said SAMCo General Manager Steve Clark.
“It’s about creating opportunities for young people in the areas where we operate and giving back to the communities that support us.”
CQUniversity’s Vice-President (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Adrian Miller said he was thankful to the amazing support provided by SAMco.
“We are so thankful to SAMco for partnering with CQUniversity for this generous financial scholarship to support a First Nations student throughout their study journey,” said Professor Miller.
“This kind of support is vital in helping close the gap in education for First Nations people and creating lasting impact.”
For Kalyna, the scholarship provided more than financial relief – it gave her the freedom to focus on her studies, maintain important relationships, and stay connected to her community.
“In my first year, I focused solely on work and study, and I became isolated,” she shared.
“Now, I make time every week for family and friends. Going to my siblings' sports games helps keep me grounded and reminds me why I want to be a role model.”
Kalyna continues to be inspired by her studies, particularly in areas like developmental psychology and attachment theory, which she loves seeing reflected in real-life situations.
Looking ahead, she hopes her story encourages other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to follow their passions.
“Take your time – there’s no one right path,” she said. “Keep trying, even if you fail at first. You’ll get there in the end, and you’ll never know if you don’t try.”
This week CQUniversity is calling on its communities to support more students like Kalyna through the CQUniCares Annual Appeal.
Find out more or donate today, at the CQUniCares Annual Appeal website.
