Law valedictorian looks to inspire others
Like many school leavers from a rural town, Caitlyn Donohoe’s move to Brisbane to study at The University of Queensland was her first time living out of home.
But the then 17-year-old from Biloela in Central Queensland had a lot more than most to consider when she left the support of family and friends.
“I have a profound physical disability called arthrogryposis, which essentially means I have an incomplete set of muscles and some of my joints are twisted,” Caitlyn said.
“Because I have no biceps, I can’t put my arms out to break a fall, so I use a wheelchair to get around public spaces and need someone with me 24/7.
“But there was no way I wasn’t moving away to go to uni … it was just a matter of how we could make it happen.”
Awarded Dux of Biloela State High School, Caitlyn credits her mum Cammi Donohoe, the school’s legal studies teacher with imparting her passion for law.
Caitlyn received a UQ Leadership, Excellence and Diversity (LEAD) Scholarship and UQ Excellence Scholarship and enrolled in the Bachelors of Arts/Laws (Honours) program.
This week she graduated as Valedictorian of Law.
