Kyra Kensey

Degree: Bachelor of Business

Kyra Kensey is a second year student and a proud Guringai woman.

“I grew up on the NSW Central Coast, a picturesque region of New South Wales, in a town called Buff Point. My high school experience was intimate; I attended St. Bridget’s, a small school with a tight-knit community. With only 42 students in my year, we all grew incredibly close.

“During my time at St. Bridget’s, I was deeply involved in various aspects of student life.

“As a proud Aboriginal student, I took on the role of coordinating indigenous student activities.

“I also served as the Head of Youth Ministry, where I organised and led spiritual and community-building initiatives for my fellow students. Beyond my official roles, I participated in various school events, from fundraisers to sports days.”

Q: Why did you choose to study at the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)?

A: My mum used to live in Manly and told me stories about the area, and I also liked the smaller class sizes. It felt a bit like my high school in that respect and the transition from school to college was a lot easier for me.

Plus, I liked the idea of living on campus instead of having to commute.

Q: Can you tell us about your journey to receiving the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship? What motivated you to apply, and how did you feel when you found out you were selected?

A: I saw the scholarships webpage when I was applying to studying at ICMS and looked into which ones I might be eligible for.

Originally, I applied for the ICMS Professional Scholarship, but then I found out there was an ICMS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Scholarship.

I had two or three interviews and then I got a call from Ann Whitelock, Chair of Scholarships at ICMS.

I was in the kitchen with my mum and we both cried when Ann told me I’d been successful in my application.

Q: How has receiving this scholarship impacted your academic journey and your overall experience as a student?

A: Receiving the scholarship has allowed me to participate in college life a lot more than I might have without it. It meant I had more opportunities.

The required community hours in the scholarship pushed me to look at ways to get involved. Through that, I was able to apply for Student Representative Council (SRC) and student ambassador roles. I might have missed these opportunities if I hadn’t been encouraged through the scholarship.

Q: Can you share some highlights of your involvement and the impact it has had on you and the community?

A: Currently, I am a student ambassador, SRC executive Head of Clubs and Associations, and a Resident Leader (RL). Through these roles, I’ve had a lot of opportunities such as going to events, running events, and volunteering.

My highlight was check-in this trimester in my second year. I enjoyed meeting all the new students and helping out with O-week.

It was tiring but rewarding.

Some nights we were up all hours waiting for people to arrive, but it was fun helping out, and I enjoyed being a friendly face on campus to the new students.

Q: Being an Aboriginal student, what unique perspectives or experiences do you bring to campus life, and how do you think these contribute to the broader university community?

A: Being a Guringai woman means that this land which we are on is my people’s land. My indigenous heritage helps me to appreciate everything around us.

I find that international students want to know and learn more about Aboriginal people and our history. I enjoy engaging and explaining what I can.

Q: Are there any specific challenges you’ve faced as an Aboriginal student, and how have you overcome them? What support systems or resources have been most helpful to you?

A: The way that ICMS teaches is easy and relatable to the real world, which makes it easier to understand the academic content.

The Student Success Centre (SSC) has helped me in the past, and I know that they are always there. It’s a great service.

Q: In what ways do you hope to continue making a difference on campus or in your community in the future, both during your time as a student and beyond graduation?

A: I hope that I can enhance student life and get more people involved.

I hope that more people will continue to learn about Aboriginal culture.

I hope to start something that will leave a legacy at ICMS – perhaps help set up a program where I can come back and give talks and mentor others.

Q: Can you share a particularly meaningful or memorable moment from your time as a student so far?

A: Meeting my best friend!

Brianna and I met at O-week in first year. I moved in the day before and bumped into her in the elevator and chatted to her and her mum as she was moving in. That night we went out to a Basement party on campus and then to the beach, and that was the start of a great friendship. She is also still on campus.

It’s great to live with your friends and have them so close to you.

Q: How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your involvement in campus activities and any other commitments you may have?

A: I work part time at a café while also completing my Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects with a marketing agency, and I am doing 4 subjects – so it’s busy.

On top of that I have all my campus commitments too. However, the way that ICMS study is structured, they make it quite easy for you.

My tip would be to be organised and don’t let your schedule stress you out. Once you get into a rhythm you will work it out.

Q: As a scholarship recipient, what advice would you give to other students who may be considering applying for scholarships?

A: Apply for everything you can. Use your life experiences in your application. Be your authentic self when you are interviewing. Be real.

Q: Finally, looking ahead, what are your aspirations or goals for the future, both professionally and personally? How do you envision your continued impact on your community or society at large?

A: I will graduate in 2025 and will hopefully have a career in marketing. I would love to travel and would love to live overseas if I could.

To find out more about ICMS, click here.

To find out more about the ICMS Professional Scholarships Program, click here.