Celebrating our graduates: Caley Manzie

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Celebrating our graduates: Caley Manzie

Meet RMIT Graduate Caley Manzie; a proud Noongar woman, passionate athlete and the first person to be selected to give graduates a student address at the 2022 RMIT Graduation Ceremony.

Looking at Caley’s inspiring awards and achievements throughout her time at RMIT, it’s almost shocking to learn that she originally had lukewarm feelings about attending a university.

“RMIT has changed my perception of university and education. During high school, I didn’t want to go to university,” explained Caley.

Caley recently completed her Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science)(Honours) and is now a STEM Outreach Coordinator at RMIT. Caley is the first in her family to attend university and the highs (and COVID lows) of her time at university have been life-changing for her.

“During my first year, I had so much support from the Ngarara Willim Centre and all the other services that RMIT provides, like clubs and societies. It really allowed me to become involved in university life. It also allowed my voice to be heard, and I can take all these skills that I’ve learnt at university into the workforce.”

Along with thousands of other students across Melbourne, Caley faced the difficulty of online learning and separation from her family and friends during COVID lockdowns.

“In 2020, most of us, if not all of us went through one of the most challenging times of this decade as university students,” said Caley.

Like her classmates, Caley persevered, and after rising to each new challenge and supporting her fellow students, she was chosen as the first graduating student to give an address during the 2022 ceremony, an honour that Caley is proud to share in front of her own class and those that were unable to attend their ceremony previously due to COVID restrictions.

I am super stoked to be representing the class of 2022 and to make my address at graduation this year. Not only to the class of 2022 but all the other classes that are attending this year as well!

Two images of student Caley Manzie side by side. Image on left hand side shows Caley holding up Indigenous flag on hockey field. Right image shows Caley kneeling down in Redbacks uniform with other teammates.

(L) Caley proudly holds up the Indigenous Australian flag while competing in the 2017 Uni Games for RMIT University, (R) Caley with her RMIT Redbacks teammates during the 2022 Uni Nationals in Whadjuk Country (Perth). Caley’s passion for sports has seen her travel across Australia with the RMIT Redbacks and win the 2021 bp UniSport Scholarship.

Caley’s long history and passion for sports grows at RMIT

Caley has had a passion for sport since she was four years old, when she would compete in Little Athletics. She also follows in her Nana’s footsteps with a shared love of hockey.

Caley’s Nana was a proud Indigenous Australian, and throughout her young adult life, Caley has represented her family with integrity and passion as she competed in hockey matches for multiple clubs and teams.

In 2020 Caley represented Victoria in the U21 Australian Indoor Hockey Championships and was a member of the Hockey Victoria High-Performance Pathway program. The following year Caley was named a proud recipient of the 2021 bp UniSport Scholarship, in which she received $5,000 to support her ongoing academic and athletic accomplishments.

Caley continued to be recognised for her incredible achievements as she was nominated to represent RMIT as the Captain of the Redbacks hockey team for Uni Sport Nationals in 2022, where she led her team as they travelled to Whadjuk Country (Perth, Caley’s home Country) to compete against other universities from across Australia.

“One of my favourite memories was being a part of the RMIT Redbacks. Going to Uni Nationals and being a part of the sporting crew and travelling across Australia with all the teams was amazing,” shared Caley.

I don't think I will ever be able to find the words to describe how proud I am of my Redbacks and the love I have for them.

Two images of Caley Manzie side by side. Left hand image shows Caley smiling and holding a timber award, right image shows Caley wearing purple hoodie on Campus smiling towards camera.

(L) Caley was the proud recipient of the 2021 Community Spirit Award at the CareerTrackers Indigenous Internship Program and is currently working as a STEM Outreach Coordinator with RMIT, (R) Caley has been an active student across sports and clubs during her time at RMIT.

What’s next for Caley and her advice for new students

After her time at RMIT, Caley knows a thing or two about juggling her coursework, job, activities and sport and has some great tips for new students.

“I would encourage first-year and new students to engage with clubs and societies outside of their degrees. I’d also encourage students to engage with their lecturers and be present on campus,” said Caley.

After completing her studies Caley has now joined the RMIT community as a STEM Outreach Coordinator, to further expand her skills and work closely in a field she is passionate about.

“To the class of 2022 and all the other classes coming to graduation, well done and congratulations. You should all be so proud of yourselves, and I can’t wait to see you at graduation!”

Are you graduating from RMIT this year? Join us for a range of events and activities to celebrate your achievements and help you get prepared for what comes next.

24 November 2022

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