Table 1. Themes from participant... | Emerald Publishing

Table 1.

Themes from participant narratives

Main	Description	Examples of quotes
1. Ecosystem of connection	The importance of an ecosystem of connection and socialisation agents. This refers to the intricate network of relationships, experiences, and environmental influences that collectively shape an Indigenous student’s sense of belonging, personal identity and access to support systems in their journey to HE. Navigating through the positive support and challenges in their educational journey	“My parents encouraged me to pursue all the opportunities that they didn’t get was one of my motivators”. (Harper) “My teachers were my biggest supporters, and some went above and beyond to keep me at school… The English teacher often pulled me aside to get me to participate in class activities. The school psychologist went above what was expected of her. Two people I will never forget. From the moment I left, I always told myself I was going to go to university one day.” (Elizabeth) “I chose [University], as I like the atmosphere and how community-minded the Indigenous Centre is” (Avery)
2. Challenging societal expectations and harnessing untapped potential	The intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (self-determination and autonomy) to challenge and break free from restrictive societal expectations and preconceptions that limit their potential and confidence to pursue their aspirations. Recognising and embracing Aboriginal and Torres strait islander students’ strengths and capabilities to create a better future for themselves and their communities (self-efficacy)	“I remember, because I was in the care of the state as a foster kid, going to one of the meetings and said, hey this I want to go to [university], only to be told by the head that I would never get in because my english was extremely bad…I decided I was going to prove him wrong. That was my main determination…to prove him wrong!” (Levi) “I want to be able to provide for my family now and in the future, to get a job that helps people, inspires people and that it doesn’t matter what background you’re from. You‘re able to do it.” (Blake)
3. Determination to pursue and embrace one’s passions	Students discover their passion through self-determination and personal agency in their educational journey. Recognising that the right pathway may not be a straight line, but rather a journey of exploration and discovery. A strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit and a determined commitment to proactively seek and attain the right educational and career opportunities	“I thought I can’t give up on my dream and now I know how to succeed I am going to. Being a mature disability student is a bit much at times but I have learnt to work through it.” (Ella) “Last year I realised that acting is the only thing I am really enjoying and I don’t know how to get better so I re-applied, and I got told the same thing, we cannot offer you the bachelor because you don’t have the education background so here is the diploma and I am loving every single second of it.” (Levi) “I decided to change over from vet course, and I started a business certificate, I enjoy it and am planning to further my education and knowledge in the business world.” (Sam)
4. Authentic Representation and Inclusive Engagement	Students highlight the importance of an institutional commitment to authentic representation and inclusivity. The importance of avoiding tokenism or superficial attempts at representation and instead genuine, multidimensional portrayals that resonate with the community in all communications	“My decision was [X university] taking part in the pride parade.” (Hannah) “[Indigenous Centre] felt like a second home. It’s very accepting here and very diverse as well.” (Lucas)
5. Expanding Access and Opportunity	Providing students with an inclusive and supportive educational ecosystem that enables access and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive and reach their full potential. Inclusive educational pathways for students include flexible mixed-mode learning, location of universities, financial assistance, and the development of practical life skills	“I thought a classroom setting would have been better for me, but what I’ve realised since learning online is that it actually overstimulated me and it burnt me out a lot quicker. So the [Aboriginal tutoring program] helped me understand my learning style and helped me transfer the information from short-term to long term memory.” (Madison) “I didn’t know there were alternate pathways to uni as previous schools stressed the importance of ATAR. My goal out of university is to find a career …and make enough money to live comfortably.” (Lily)

Main	Description	Examples of quotes
1. Ecosystem of connection	The importance of an ecosystem of connection and socialisation agents. This refers to the intricate network of relationships, experiences, and environmental influences that collectively shape an Indigenous student’s sense of belonging, personal identity and access to support systems in their journey to HE. Navigating through the positive support and challenges in their educational journey	“My parents encouraged me to pursue all the opportunities that they didn’t get was one of my motivators”. (Harper) “My teachers were my biggest supporters, and some went above and beyond to keep me at school… The English teacher often pulled me aside to get me to participate in class activities. The school psychologist went above what was expected of her. Two people I will never forget. From the moment I left, I always told myself I was going to go to university one day.” (Elizabeth) “I chose [University], as I like the atmosphere and how community-minded the Indigenous Centre is” (Avery)
2. Challenging societal expectations and harnessing untapped potential	The intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (self-determination and autonomy) to challenge and break free from restrictive societal expectations and preconceptions that limit their potential and confidence to pursue their aspirations. Recognising and embracing Aboriginal and Torres strait islander students’ strengths and capabilities to create a better future for themselves and their communities (self-efficacy)	“I remember, because I was in the care of the state as a foster kid, going to one of the meetings and said, hey this I want to go to [university], only to be told by the head that I would never get in because my english was extremely bad…I decided I was going to prove him wrong. That was my main determination…to prove him wrong!” (Levi) “I want to be able to provide for my family now and in the future, to get a job that helps people, inspires people and that it doesn’t matter what background you’re from. You‘re able to do it.” (Blake)
3. Determination to pursue and embrace one’s passions	Students discover their passion through self-determination and personal agency in their educational journey. Recognising that the right pathway may not be a straight line, but rather a journey of exploration and discovery. A strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit and a determined commitment to proactively seek and attain the right educational and career opportunities	“I thought I can’t give up on my dream and now I know how to succeed I am going to. Being a mature disability student is a bit much at times but I have learnt to work through it.” (Ella) “Last year I realised that acting is the only thing I am really enjoying and I don’t know how to get better so I re-applied, and I got told the same thing, we cannot offer you the bachelor because you don’t have the education background so here is the diploma and I am loving every single second of it.” (Levi) “I decided to change over from vet course, and I started a business certificate, I enjoy it and am planning to further my education and knowledge in the business world.” (Sam)
4. Authentic Representation and Inclusive Engagement	Students highlight the importance of an institutional commitment to authentic representation and inclusivity. The importance of avoiding tokenism or superficial attempts at representation and instead genuine, multidimensional portrayals that resonate with the community in all communications	“My decision was [X university] taking part in the pride parade.” (Hannah) “[Indigenous Centre] felt like a second home. It’s very accepting here and very diverse as well.” (Lucas)
5. Expanding Access and Opportunity	Providing students with an inclusive and supportive educational ecosystem that enables access and opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to thrive and reach their full potential. Inclusive educational pathways for students include flexible mixed-mode learning, location of universities, financial assistance, and the development of practical life skills	“I thought a classroom setting would have been better for me, but what I’ve realised since learning online is that it actually overstimulated me and it burnt me out a lot quicker. So the [Aboriginal tutoring program] helped me understand my learning style and helped me transfer the information from short-term to long term memory.” (Madison) “I didn’t know there were alternate pathways to uni as previous schools stressed the importance of ATAR. My goal out of university is to find a career …and make enough money to live comfortably.” (Lily)

Source(s): Authors’ own work