Determined to make a difference

Sheyteika was only two years old when she was removed from the care of her parents.

Moving in with extended family for part of her childhood, Sheyteika was almost a teenager when she reconnected with her parents and – to this day – is still learning about her family history, and culture.

By the age of 12, Sheyteika moved into foster care. During this time, she experienced periods uncertainty and instability, attending 14 schools throughout her time in care. The constant change in homes, communities, schools and friends was difficult and Sheyteika, as a young teenager, managed by sometimes acting out; and other times by acting more mature than her age. With a passion for soccer, and a craving for consistency, Sheyteika remained at the same soccer club throughout her time in care.

With a limited number of foster carers able to take on the long-term care of a teenager, Sheyteika didn’t receive the stability that would have made a significant difference to her childhood. She had to grow up fast.

When Sheyteika turned 16, her foster carers moved overseas, which meant that she needed to move homes again. With support from MacKillop, Sheyteika moved into a Therapeutic Support Independent Living home, where she learnt to live on her own.

While furnishing and moving into a new home, and learning independent living skills, Sheyteika also completed her senior grades at school, followed by a Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies.

She would get herself to and from school every day, and worked hard to achieve good grades. She attended gym before school most days, and participated in soccer practice after school. During her senior years at school, she secured a part-time job, saved money and purchased her first car at only 16 years of age.

Her tenacity and commitment were driven by a clear goal to become a Police Officer where she could be a strong and positive role model with her community.

"I would be an asset to the Police force because I have real life experience in the situations that they deal with every day, I had one Police Officer who was patient with me and that changed my perspective forever. However, I understand how careful the hiring process has to be."

“I was a naughty kid, but who wouldn’t be naughty if they were changing schools every few weeks and constantly living with different people. It is so important for people, specifically Police Officers and Case Workers, to understand what children in foster care go through in their day-to-day life."

“I applied for the Police but there were a few minor things I got in trouble for when I was a young teenager – the types of things most kids would have gotten a stern talking to from a parent. I was encouraged to apply again when I’m older,” Sheyteika said.

This advice hasn’t deterred her. Sheyteika quickly secured a job, saved money and joined a semi-professional soccer team – with the same club that supported her throughout her childhood.

“While I was disappointed to be denied in the Police force, I am glad I didn’t get in the first time around, I have grown so much since I applied and now I have even more life experience and understanding for others than before.”

However, set-backs in life always occur, and for a short period of time when Sheyteika wasn’t working, she called her former Case Worker.

“When I was between jobs, and not earning money, I was concerned about what my next steps would be. The first person I called was my previous case worker. He knew how to calm me down and what to do. I wouldn’t have gotten through without his help. It’s nice for people to know that after you leave MacKillop, help is available.

"If I could encourage any child to do one thing, in foster care or not, it would be to find a passion and build a community around that passion. For me, it was football. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my football club."

She reflects on the importance of connection to community, and stability: "Throughout my crazy upbringing, I always had my football club that was a constant, where I knew I could go be myself and be safe."

Sheyteika continues her journey towards becoming a Police Officer where she hopes to bring a lived experience perspective to her colleagues; and positively influence children and young people in care today.

Support Sheyteika

Sheyteika is running a marathon to support the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, a health promotion charity that uses running to celebrate Indigenous resilience and achievement, and create inspirational Indigenous leaders.