Seosamh

My name is Seosamh Sirideáin, I am 18 years old, and I am very grateful to have been awarded a Pinnacle scholarship.  

I have just graduated Year 12, where I studied the International Baccalaureate, and took Spanish, Environmental Science, Maths, Language and Literature, Psychology and History.  

As part of my Baccalaureate, I wrote an extended essay, a 4,000-word paper on my chosen topic. My essay was titled “More than a language: how language rights impact the wellbeing of Indigenous people and their culture”, and addressed the research question “To what extent do the actions and legislation enacted by colonial governments impact the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people, their languages and culture, specifically in Northern Ireland and Central Australia, and how do the different approaches in these two states compare and contrast?” I greatly enjoyed writing this piece, and it allowed me to investigate further an area which is of great interest to me, and which I aim to pursue as part of my studies.  

I am commencing a Bachelor of Laws. I want to practice law, and work in pro bono defence in the youth justice sector, particularly with LGBTIQ+ youth. I believe that there is an enormous amount of reform that must and will be made to the youth justice system in the next few years, and I want to be a part of that change. I want to work with LGBTIQ+ young people as we are so frequently left behind by the system, and I want to be able to give back to the community that has enabled me to reach the point where I am today.  

The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship will allow me to reach my full potential as a student and allow me to make connections within the legal industry as someone from a low-income, culturally diverse background. I would like to thank Tea Uglow for this incredible opportunity, which honestly still has not sunk in yet!