Gavin’s Story: An Indigenous Student Who Happens to Be a Prisoner

Abstract

Working with Indigenous students who are in jail is a specialised area of student services that has attracted little attention, but is immensely worthwhile. The author of the following short story is one of many Indigenous young men incarcerated in a men's jail somewhere in Queensland. He was thrilled when it was suggested that his story be published and has given permission for his real name to be used, as has the prison where he is held. The story was written last year for a creative writing course which Gavin was taking in the bridging program run by the local university’s Indigenous centre through in distance education. Tutoring to support his learning was provided by the Federal Government under the Indigenous Tertiary Assistance Scheme (ITAS). In this short story, written as an assignment for his creative writing course, Gavin tells the tale of his life in a heartbreakingly simple way that unfortunately typifies the experience of many Indigenous youth who end up in jail. However, there is hope for young people such as Gavin, because by enrolling in bridging programs which lead straight into TAFE or university study, prisoners are making a decision to turn their lives around. Gavin learned a huge amount from the two writing courses he took last year and was immensely proud when it was suggested his story be published.