Alumni Spotlight - Ruby Sait
Former GOTAFE student Ruby Sait returned to her old classroom to inspire current students in the VCE-VM program.
From experiencing homelessness to graduating from university, former GOTAFE student Ruby Sait is making her mark advocating for young people.
Ruby spent the majority of her childhood in Out of Home Care and came to GOTAFE in 2019, determined to complete what was then the VCAL program. GOTAFE was her tenth school and the place she credits with finding her confidence to believe in herself.
Just last month Ruby graduated from a Bachelor of Communications at Deakin University – something she didn’t see as possible before beginning with GOTAFE.
She returned to GOTAFE recently to speak about her journey with the current VCE-VM class in Wangaratta.
“When I started in VCAL I had been out of school for about two months. I spoke to Kel (Youth Engagement Officer Kel Vincent) and I was determined to get into VCAL,” she said.
Kel assisted Ruby to enrol, while also helping her to secure accommodation. From then on Ruby flourished.
“I found such a community there in the class and the way that Mitch (Teacher Mitch Seaton) engaged with us. Being able to learn in a way that worked for me was so much better than trying to do what other people expected me to do.
“As someone who had such an unstable childhood and undiagnosed ADHD, it really helped being in this space and learning in a hands-on way.
“I think about it regularly and some of my favourite memories are in this classroom. It helped me figure out who I was as a person.”
After graduating from VCAL Ruby initially studied Professional Writing at Federation University before progressing to a Diploma of Communications at Deakin College, completing this before then completing a Bachelor of Communications at Deakin University.
It is the work she has taken on top of her study which Ruby is most passionate about. She is on the Youth Council for the Commissioner for Young People, is a Young Consultant for the Create Foundation, and is a Peer Mentor at Raise Expectations. She is regularly invited to speak with residential carers, and care organisations to advocate for best practice in child protection.
Recently while visiting the VCE-VM class in Wangaratta Ruby also spoke at a Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) staff forum, sharing her lived experience.
“As someone who for so long didn’t have a voice, being able to use my voice to help others is just the best feeling,” Ruby said.
GOTAFE’s Youth Engagement Team is part of the Skills and Jobs Centre, providing career, employment and training support. To book a careers advice session, click here.
GOTAFE offers both the VCE-VM and VPC courses. For more information, or to make an enquiry, click here.
