Morgan Sexton has always used the power of his voice and knowledge to foster positive change, whether it be on the basketball court, at school or in the community.
Now, as one of nine students to be awarded a 2022 Bond University Indigenous Scholarship, he is on a mission to take the skills he learns from his Bachelor of Commerce to empower others by promoting financial literacy.
The 21-year-old said the ‘strong’ women in his household, including twin sister and fellow Indigenous Scholarship recipient Darcie, played a key role in where he is today.
“A lot of what I’ve learnt about strength and resilience comes from the sacrifices my mum made while raising my three siblings and me as a single parent,” said Morgan.
“I also give credit to my sister for inspiring me. While Darcie left when we were 13 years old on a Yalari scholarship to attend boarding school, seeing her achieve her goals motivated me to do the same.”
While in high school, Morgan stayed busy competing in basketball, math, science, and Chinese speaking competitions.
“I was never the most athletic player or naturally found myself at the top of a subject, but I was always dedicated to putting in the extra time and effort to do my best,” he said.
“No matter what it is, natural talent can only take you so far, so I've always relied on hard work to get me where I need to be.”
Morgan’s strong work ethic has made him a natural leader and he was elected as both Indigenous and House Captain at school and a member of the Fraser Coast Youth Advisory Council.
“Sitting on the Fraser Coast Youth Advisory Council was my first taste of working with a group of people to create real change in the wider community,” he says.
“Seeing the difference a few people's voices can have when used together has had a lasting impact on me.”
Morgan is a Yugambeh man from Beaudesert, however, because his Pop was forcibly removed from his home, there are still many questions left unanswered about his family’s heritage.
“My family and I were fortunate enough to be welcomed and accepted by the Butchulla people of Hervey Bay, with some members running a program that helped Indigenous children stay connected to culture,” he said.
"This meant we were able to immerse ourselves and learn traditional dances, connect with Elders, and other activities which helped shape my identity as an Aboriginal man.”
Like many others with siblings or family members already studying at Bond, Morgan was inspired after visiting his twin Darcie, who is completing her Bachelor of Communication (Business), to attend the University.
“When I came to Bond, I didn’t just fall in love with the campus, but also hearing Darcie speak passionately about the strong sense of community here, her educators and classes,” he said.
“I’ve always had a keen interest in learning about the stock market, finance and investing. I knew if that’s what I want to do, Bond’s Business School would be the best place to do it."
Morgan and Darcie will be the first in their family to graduate university and are one of nine sets of siblings from Indigenous families that have attended Bond.
When Morgan graduates, he hopes to use his degree to make a positive change for Indigenous peoples and communities.
“I’m passionate about eventually using my degree to gain industry experience that can help me to empower others by promoting financial literacy," he said.
Become a Bond University Indigenous scholar
Applications for 2023 Indigenous Scholarships are now open, and close on 5 September, 2022.