We don't have a very high number of Aboriginal psychologists in Australia, especially here in South Australia. I know there's a couple around but I want to be one of them.
My name is Emma Sumner. I'm studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Swinburne University, through Open Universities Australia.
I'm social health specialist caseworker/counsellor and I support community members that want to engage in the Royal Commission response to institutional child sexual abuse. I believe that I'm here for a purpose. In 2002, I had a massive heart attack.
When I came to, I said they're not ready for me upstairs yet because I've got something I have to do here and it's about the healing.
I was saved by my uncle and aunty, who I call mum and dad, from our welfare
system back in the day. Otherwise I would have been part of the Stolen Generations.
My dad told me once that, my girl, if you ever want to get on in this world, you better have that white man’s piece of paper, because that's the only thing that puts you in a position where you're able to help other people.
I thought I'm going to do this and Open University suited my lifestyle because I've got three grandchildren who are now living with me and it fits with my daily routine .
I've got eight units this year, so I should be finished 2017 18 19! I’ll be 60 then!
We’ve been told that we need to do at least 12 hours a week and whatever that looks like, I will jam it in. I've got to be there for my grandchildren, study’s second but I do it for me, that's me, my stuff. I will be a psychologist. It'll happen, I just know that's what I’m here for.