Dedicated and passionate Gumurrii Learning Assistance Officer (LAO) Carol Edwards is inspiring Griffith University (GU) Indigenous students to achieve academic success.
Edwards, mother of two and grandmother of three, a descendant of the Turrbal people commenced working at the GU Indigenous Support Unit Gumurrii in 2012.
In 2017 Gumurrii, with Edwards assistance, helped 137 indigenous students graduate, covering all disciplines including medicine.
Her devotion to students is legendary among both Gumurrii and the broader university community.
“Seeing and helping people achieve their goals academically and in their personal lives is what motivates me” Edwards said.
While Edwards is required to work the general business hours, her commitment sees her work outside these hours to provide both academic and emotional support to students.
Gumurrii Co-worker LAO Donald Martin who works closely with Edwards is in awe of her ability to guide and help students.
“Her best quality is her student focused understanding of the issues around learning and her personal capacity to go beyond her call of duty,” Martin said.
“She has a tremendous positive impact in a tough learning environment”.
Arts student and Butchulla woman Sera Terare has known Edwards since enrolling at Gumurrii in 2015 and sees Edwards as a great role model and a person she aspires be like.
Gumurrii’s Carol Edwards
“Not only did Carol help me choose a degree suitable for my career goals, she also helped me find financial aid and accommodation during a dark time of my life,” Terare said.
“Carol is an amazing person who puts others before herself.”
More than eight hundred Indigenous students are registered with Gumurrii across GU’s five campuses and the online open learning program.
GU Indigenous students are encouraged to use the services offered at Gumurrii, including a safe working environment with computer access and tutoring to help achieve their tertiary education goals.
