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After hearing Crusty Demons rider Luke McNeil speak, teenager Riley Byrne-Coad knows she can follow her dreams.
The year 10 Figtree High School student met the freestyle motocross star on September 10, while taking part in the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) program at the University of Wollongong.
McNeil was one of five special guests who spoke to 120 students and their mentors at the final AIME session for the year.
The others were indigenous singer/songwriter Marcus Corowa, photographer Trent Mitchell, former special forces commando Mick Bainbridge and young indigenous leader Charlee-Sue Frail.
AIME matches indigenous high school students with UOW student mentors. They write to indigenous achievers asking them to come along and share their advice.
Riley, 15, wrote to McNeil.
‘‘Luke’s story’s really inspiring because no matter what people said about him, he still went on and did his dream,’’ she said.
‘‘That’s something I’d love to do because I always get criticised for things that I want to do, so just to ignore them, follow your dream and prove them wrong would be amazing.’’
Riley is considering joining the armed forces or police or attending university to study business or childcare.
After a nervous start at AIME, Riley said she had gotten to know her mentors and loves all the programs.
‘‘I’ve learnt to embrace my Aboriginal heritage, gain confidence and self-respect.’’
McNeil, originally from Jervis Bay, 22, has been riding professionally for four years.
He told the students that they could do anything they put their minds to.
‘‘No matter what status someone has – they’re human, they breathe and bleed the same, so why can’t you be at that level,’’ McNeil said.
Information: www.aimementoring.com or email bn@aimementoring.com