“After I graduate from Year 12, I want to pursue a career in midwifery.”
A proud Ballardong and Noongar student from York, WA, Emily attends Perth College on an AIEF Scholarship.
She is passionate about sport, especially AFL, and enjoys Humanities and Social Sciences.
In Year 10, Emily was matched with AIEF Mentor Esa, a Senior Associate with AIEF Partner HSBC Australia.
Their journey together began with excitement and a few nerves, but quickly became one of mutual trust and understanding.
“The first time I met Esa, she was very easy to talk to and we had a lot in common. I felt comfortable straight away,” says Emily.
As an AIEF Mentor, Esa plays an important role in Emily’s life, offering a reliable, supportive presence outside of her family and friends.
Their conversations cover a wide range of topics from school and footy to everyday experiences and future plans.
Emily values Esa’s honesty and encouragement.
“Esa is a very good listener and gives great advice. She has helpful feedback and is very supportive. I feel that I can talk to her about anything.”
As she heads into her senior years, guidance from Esa has provided Emily with a sense of clarity. “We discussed her options early on and now she is well on her way,” says Esa.
Emily is studying for a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and is passionate about healthcare. “After I graduate from Year 12, I want to pursue a career in midwifery,” she says.
Emily says the best thing she’s learned from Esa is about maintaining a positive attitude and navigating uncertainty. “It’s okay to be unsure,” she says.
“Seeing Emily grow and develop over time has been one of the best parts of the mentoring experience for Esa. “Emily is very resilient. She works through obstacles sensibly, seeks feedback, and handles it all with grace. Watching her grow into a young adult has been a real highlight.”
Emily and Esa’s story shows how powerful mentoring can be. It’s not just about advice, but being there, consistently, as an additional someone who listens, celebrates the wins, and helps navigate the unknowns.