Trey Elias Petterson – Yalari Alumnus

We recently caught up with Trey Elias Petterson, who talked to us about his journey since finishing school and what he’s been up to lately. Trey is a 2016 St Ignatius’ College, Riverview graduate and a Yalari Alumni Association Management Committee member.

Where is home for you? Your mob? 

I’m from Darwin. I am a proud Indigenous man with blood from the Wardarman people from Moi Moi Country, the Wagadidam people from Mabiaug in Western Torres Strait, and a descendant from the Gurindji Mudburra & Jinjli people. 

Tell us a bit about your journey since graduating high school. 

Since graduating, I traveled some parts of the world and went straight back home to Darwin for a few years while I was on a journey of finding myself and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life. It wasn’t long before I realised that I needed to be away from home; I figured out that I needed to continue my studies in something I feel passionate about. I chose to study Social and Political Sciences at the University of Technology back in Sydney.

What have been some of the memorable moments since finishing high school?   

Some of my most memorable moments since finishing high school involve having time with my family and friends. I’ve been involved with the Indigenous program at UTS, Jumbunna, working as a Student Promotional Representative of UTS (SPROUT). This involves mentoring, organising, and pushing high school students to study further after they graduate.

I have found an interest in pushing for Indigenous students around Australia to pursue further education.

What are your goals for the next couple of years? How do you think you will get there?  

I find it pretty challenging to have goals, especially during these uncertain times of COVID and the constant lockdowns. At the moment for me, I just want to make it through university in one piece so that I can go home and help my family.

Are there any words or phrases you like to live your life by?  

A quote that gets me by is, “if it is to be, it is up to me”.

 Any advice for our current Yalari students?   

My advice for current students would be to always talk to those around you and make connections with people that will help you grow as a young adult so that you can truly become the best version of yourself. This involves reflecting on where you came from, questioning everything and everyone around you, questioning who you are and who you want to be in life.