Kicking tertiary goals in Central Queensland

Proud Kalkadoon man and father of three, Sam Raciti is achieving great things in his community, both personally and professionally.

As an Indigenous Business Australia scholarship recipient, Sam is in his fourth year of an accounting degree at Central Queensland University. Juggling study with his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal corporation, can be a challenge, but one that Sam enjoys.

“Study is like my sport, my hobby, and I want to do well at my sport,” Sam said.

His academic achievements were recognised when he was named the Mackay region Tertiary Scholar of the Year during NAIDOC Week earlier this 2013.

“University study for me is a different experience as an adult learner. I don’t just want to pass, I want to learn, so I naturally put time and effort into learning,” Sam said.

On top of his study and role as a CEO, Sam also dedicates time to mentoring Indigenous youth within his community, and is an active member on several boards and public reference groups across the Mackay region.

“Every six months, I try to take a young person under my wing and support them to go forward from where they are. I work with their parents, and I can be a sort of uncle figure,” Sam said.

Sam’s message to others thinking about applying for a scholarship in 2014 is clear.

“I want to encourage people to give the IBA Scholarship a go, even if you question the probability of being successful,” Sam said.

“On the day I was lodging my application, I questioned whether to press ‘send’ on that fax machine. We can put limits on ourselves, or have a negative mindset and question the barriers but it’s about throwing your hat in the ring. You have to be in it to win it.”