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.
"It’s been quite a journey,” Caitlyn said.
“First year uni was the first time I had carers outside my incredible family, and I had to navigate the NDIS system while starting my degree and being far from home, so it was a lot.”
Caitlyn said managing her care involved a lot of logistics.
“I need around 10 carers in rotation to fill day and night shifts and to cover for people, so I’m always training someone or organising invoices.
“It was a huge cognitive load on top of full-time study - I liken it to running a small business.”
Caitlyn excelled academically throughout her studies, and managed to volunteer most semesters.
“I think it’s important to help where you can,” she said.
“I’ve volunteered with Disability Law Queensland investigating housing options for people with disabilities and their families, published a literature review for the Queensland Council of Social Services to secure government funding for their COVID-19 recovery plan and drafted asylum seeker claims for the Justice Centre Hong Kong.”
Caitlyn said competing in the 2023 Jessup International Moot Competition was an academic highlight of her time at UQ.
Her team placed 3rd in Australia and travelled to Washington DC where they came 40th in the international rounds.
“I’ve done one clerkship in a law firm and started a second, and I’ve been working in the Papua New Guinea team at Corrs Chambers Westgarth which I’m really enjoying,” Caitlyn said.
“I’m not sure which area of law I’ll end up in, but the possibilities are pretty exciting.”
Caitlyn said her parents had been passionate advocates who ensured she was given every opportunity to not only participate but excel.
“Mum and Dad campaigned for more teacher aide support when I started high school, because without it I would have only been able to attend 2 days a week,” she said.
“Then when it looked like a lack of technical support meant I wouldn’t be able to sit some of my final school exams alongside my classmates, they spoke up for me.
“They never gave up.”
It’s an approach Caitlyn said she carries with her.
“Mum gave me a plaque that sits on my desk that reads, ‘Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do’.
“That kind of sums up my story and I think it’s an important message for anyone, that no matter what obstacles you face, do what you can do and always try your hardest.”
UQ will host 16 graduation ceremonies in July for more than 3700 students.
Above left: Caitlyn Donohoe in the Great Court at UQ's Giving Day 2022.
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