How regular trips to the hospital for sports injuries led to Chuva May planning her career.
In a bustling hospital, 14-year-old Chuva May waits for a scan on the arm she injured during AFL. It wasn’t her first scan – or last – but it was the one that sparked an idea. From that day, Chuva set her eyes on a career, not on the AFL field, but in medical imaging.
Currently, in her first year of a medical imaging degree at Central Queensland University (CQU), Chuva’s journey from patient to professional has been supported by a Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) scholarship since Year 7.
With strong family ties to the Cape York community of Hope Vale, Chuva found the transition to boarding school at St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane a big challenge but said her CYLP Student Support Officers helped her adjust to her new environment.
“It was pretty hard at first, not having mum there in my corner all the time,” Chuva said.
“The Support Officers helped me emotionally when I would miss home. They would visit me at school and be that familiar face and help me stay organised with my textbooks, stationery and shoes. I didn’t have to worry about all that and neither did my mum.”
Chuva’s mum has been a constant source of support and inspiration. “I would say my mum is my role model, because of where she started to where she is now, and how she’s been able to support me this whole journey,” Chuva shared.
Chuva was initially considering a career in physiotherapy, but her determination to pursue a career in medical imaging was solidified when she discovered the lack of Indigenous representation. “I haven’t met a radiographer who is Indigenous, so I’m hoping to be a role model,” she said. “I want to show young Indigenous students that they can break into fields where we aren’t traditionally represented. If I can be that person they look up to, showing them it’s possible, then I’ll feel like I’ve truly made a difference.”
After six years on a CYLP Secondary Scholarship. Chuva is now supported by a Tertiary Scholarship and studies from home in Townsville, where she has found the experience both challenging and rewarding. “I study online now, and it’s been an easier transition into tertiary education as I have the comforts of home,” she said.
The scholarship has continued to support Chuva’s development, with her Student Support Officer, Kylie, playing a crucial role in her academic journey. “She keeps me on my toes, which is a good thing,” Chuva said. “Doing uni online, you are more likely to fall off the rails, so Kylie is always there checking up on me. She’s always happy to hear my stories. It’s nice to share my news with someone.”
Grateful for the support she has received, Chuva is passionate about giving back to the Cape York Leaders Program and attends the end-of-term events to inspire the next cohort of high school scholars. “I’m looking forward to the Annual Leadership Camp in 2025,” she said. “I’m excited to meet more younger students and share my journey with them. It’s important to give back and show them that they too can achieve their dreams.”
In addition to her studies, Chuva has gained practical experience through a cadetship at Townsville Hospital, where she is the only medical imaging cadet. “It is the first nationwide cadetship, and I’m pretty sure it’s the first Indigenous one as well,” she said proudly. This opportunity has allowed her to work closely with professionals in the field and gain essential hands-on experience.
As Chuva looks to the future, she hopes to establish more medical imaging clinics in Cape York. “There are a few machines here and there, but it’s not enough to keep our people healthy,” she said. “If I’m able to get a degree and create a clinic to help them, then that’s what I’ll do.”
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Cape York Leaders Program is dedicated to empowering Indigenous families and communities to break the cycle of disadvantage through education and leadership. With limited schooling options in Cape York, CYLP is essential in providing opportunities for students to pursue their dreams. By offering scholarships and support, CYLP enables students like Chuva to access quality education, which is key to overcoming barriers and achieving long-term success.
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