Trio get a taste of university life

High-achieving Pilbara students were selected to join Year 12s from across WA to attend a leadership seminar at The University of Western Australia last week.

The program aimed to encourage regional students from Hedland Karratha, Tom Price, Kununurra and Albany to aspire to a tertiary education and learn about the opportunities available at UWA.

Hedland triplets Lauren, Jacinta and Roberta Ramirez-Smith joined more than 30 indigenous students on a tour of UWA, with each aspiring to study sport science at the prestigious university.

Jacinta said she was proud to be among the selected group of indigenous students to have an early taste of university life.

“Not many indigenous people have the opportunity to go to uni — it gave me the chance to expand my options for after school,” she said.

“A highlight of the camp was hearing from an indigenous law graduate, Tammy Solonec. She was very inspiring and motivational.

“It was also good to know UWA have support systems in place for indigenous students who move to Perth, like Shenton House, where they have tutors who will offer support if you get home sick.”

UWA School of Indigenous Studies student services officer Brendon DeGois said the program was important because it created an awareness among Year 12 indigenous students of the support services available to them and the different entry pathways for studying at UWA.

“Some students in the past may not have had the opportunities to be able to finish Year 12, let alone gain a tertiary education,” he said.

“As part of the university’s outreach program, we want to change the perception that a university education is difficult to attain, and help students pursue their dream careers at UWA.”

Since 1988, the School of Indigenous Studies has helped almost 350 indigenous students to graduate in fields such as medicine, dentistry, engineering, law, health science, sports science, business and the arts.