Ayla Lewkowski
ECU believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential, and we are dedicated to this belief by offering a range of alternative pathways to higher education, including UniPrep courses.
We heard from Ayla Lewkowski, who is currently in year 12 at Mindarie Senior College, about her experience doing UniPrep in Schools and how she is coincidentally, a relative of ECU's namesake, Edith Cowan.
Mindarie Senior College Principal Jonathan Bromage, Year 12 Student Ayla Lewkowski and ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman. Image courtesy of Mindarie Senior College.
A token of appreciation
This is the first year Mindarie Senior College has offered UniPrep in Schools and how fitting that Ayla as an ancestor of Edith Cowan's is one of the first recruits.
"My Nan was researching ancestry.com and stumbled across it. I was so excited to have a connection to such an amazing lady! Edith Cowan is my fourth great-aunt," Ayla said.
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman, who is also a College Board Member at the school met with Ayla and was delighted to present a special gift, a gumnut brooch.
Professor Chapman said that it was an honour to present the brooch to Ayla which had significant meaning.
"This silver brooch was given by Edith Cowan to her campaign members when she won the seat of West Perth as a token of appreciation, becoming the first woman elected to an Australian Parliament," he said.
"It was an honour to present this particular brooch to Ayla to not only recognise the ancestry ties with Edith but also to recognise Ayla's potential as a future leader."
Edith Cowan
Edith Cowan's accomplishments stretched far and wide and she is distinctly remembered as the first woman elected to an Australian parliament.
Edith was instrumental in obtaining the vote for women in Western Australia and she significantly contributed to the development of education, particularly in government schools.
She fought tirelessly to improve the conditions for women, children, families, the poor, the under-educated and the elderly, and believed education was vital to growth, change and improvement.
Edith's focus on improving social issues in her day still resonates today as we celebrate her 162nd birthday this week.
Ayla Lewkowski and her mum Joanne Colely in front of Edith Cowan House.
Familial traits
Like Edith, Ayla values women's rights and the pursuit of education and wants to go on to make a difference.
"I am passionate about teaching and giving children the best opportunities in life and to inspire them to develop their gifts and talents to be the best that they can be," Ayla said.
It is this spirit of Edith Cowan working towards education for all, that ECU is proudly committed to enabling students from all backgrounds to succeed in higher education and life-long learning.
Getting a kickstart for uni
Complementing General or ATAR commitments, ECU's UniPrep courses prepares students for university level study by teaching the skills required for academic success and integrating university experiences.
Ayla is currently enrolled in the UniPrep in Schools course and said that it is great for anyone pursuing university.
"The classes are extremely helpful, and I've learnt a lot in the past seven months. I have gained a lot of confidence in university level essay writing, referencing techniques, and my math is getting a lot better," she said.
"All of this is thanks to the teachers and the time and effort they have given to help me throughout the course."
Ayla is on the path to success with high school graduation nearing.
Making a difference
For now, Ayla is on the path to success with high school graduation nearing. She is looking at a few different study area options for university, including primary school teaching, marketing and tourism as well as visual arts and business.
"I look forward to being a leader and making a difference for our future generations."
Learn more about UniPrep courses or alternative pathways to ECU.
