Mackenzie Davies: From learning to making an impact

Hello! Welcome to my portfolio.

This portfolio is a collection of the experiences, projects and learning that have shaped my journey through Big Picture. Throughout my time in the program, I have had the opportunity to explore topics that genuinely interest me, work independently, challenge myself and connect my learning to the real world.

My work has taken me across a range of areas, including deafness and accessibility, mental health, social issues and community. Each project has allowed me to look at the world from different perspectives while developing skills in research, communication, problem-solving, creativity and independent learning.

More importantly, this portfolio represents my growth. It reflects the questions I have asked, the challenges I have worked through, the ideas I have developed and the experiences that have helped shape the person I am today.

As you explore my work, I hope you get to know not only what I have achieved, but also the curiosity, determination and purpose behind it.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my journey.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

A commitment to excellence

My name is Mackenzie Davies, and I am a Year 12 student at Canberra College completing the Big Picture Education program. I joined Big Picture in Year 9 at Melrose High School before continuing at Canberra College in Years 11 and 12. Throughout my time in Big Picture, I have developed a strong interest in people, social issues, mental health, and advocacy.

My experiences as a Deaf person have shaped the way I see the world and encouraged my interest in accessibility and supporting others. This has influenced many of my projects, including my current project, Hear Beyond Words, a resource designed to help professionals better support Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Big Picture has taught me to learn independently, research topics that genuinely interest me, and connect my learning to real-world issues. Outside of school, my experiences in aged care, retail, and competitive volleyball have helped me develop communication, teamwork, patience, and responsibility.

As I finish Year 12, I am proud of how much I have grown both academically and personally. I hope to continue developing my skills at university and pursue a future career where I can work with, support, and advocate for others. This portfolio represents my growth, my interests, and the person I am becoming.

Acknowledgement of Country

Welcome! 

I wish to acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with a connection to the lands of the ACT and region. 

I wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. 

I would also like to acknowledge and welcome other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who may be attending today’s event.

Karnta Jukurrpa (Women’s Dreaming) by Ivy Napangardi Poulson

This painting depicts Nakamarra and Napurrurla women hunting for bush foods. The sacred site associated with this Jukurrpa is represented as a circle around which the women sit. They are looking for sweet berries that are only available at certain times of the year. The 'kirda' (custodians) for this story are the Nakama-ra/Napurrurla women and Jakamarra/Jupurrurla men.