Students in Focus
Shades of Violet: you can't be what you can't see
On the surface, it seems like Violet Eason is juggling life with ease.
She’s a single mum, business owner, swim teacher, and Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) student at the University of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥.
Underneath it all, however, Violet isn’t ashamed to admit that there have been times when she has really struggled to balance everything.
It’s why she has utilised so many of the student services at UC, and why she is passionate about sharing her story: so that other students never feel shame in asking for help.
Violet started studying at UC in 2023, when her son was just a year old. Her initial degree – a Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) – was sparked by her love for business ownership. Over the years, Violet has dabbled in a couple of business opportunities, including nannying and pet sitting.
When she undertook a creative writing elective, she realised it was a passion, and decided to switch degrees.
“I’ve always loved writing stories from a really young age, and have been a storyteller all my life,” Violet says.
“All through high school I’d write these crazy stories – so I just knew I’d enjoy this degree, and I absolutely fell in love with it.”
Despite loving the degree, there were times Violet wasn’t sure if she could continue. Between navigating cost-of-living and care arrangements for her son, support systems at UC have been crucial.
“I’ve used the Student and Participation Equity services team a lot. I meet with them weekly or fortnightly depending on what I need,” Violet says.
“Alongside the Ngunnawal Centre, they’ve hooked me up with a tutor, and regularly check in to make sure I’m doing alright. Inclusion UC also facilitated a Reasonable Adjustment Plan (RAP) and identified a scholarship that I was eligible for.”
Violet is the recipient of a UC Tertiary Commonwealth Scholarship – awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in an undergraduate degree at the Bruce campus.
“I’ve literally had to use my scholarship funds to buy food sometimes,” she said.
“I’ve also used it to pay bills and pay off some of my devices that I need for study.”
Violet is also a familiar face at UC’s Ngunnawal Centre – a place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to come together, and access tutoring, study support, and a welcoming environment (complete with a kitchen!).
The scholarship and other support systems have been the boost Violet needed to stick with study – something that, for a long time, she wasn’t sure would be achievable.
She is even at a point where she can imagine what life might be like once she graduates.
“I’d love to be able to stay home with my son as much as possible – and spend my spare time, writing books,” Violet says.
“I really fell in love with screenwriting last semester, so being able to do something like that and actually publish my works would be amazing.”
She’s also all about helping others and would love to put her swim teaching qualifications to use.
“I’d love to be a travelling swim teacher, visiting remote and regional areas that don’t have access to swim lessons,” she says.
“I absolutely love teaching kids to swim, it’s so fulfilling.”
Words by Elly Mackay, photos by Liam Budge.