Congratulations to our inaugural scholarship winner, Kayla Williams-Tucker! Kayla is a proud Ngarluma, Wongutha, Noongar woman, living on Whadjuk Boodjar. Kayla is in her second year of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame, and spends her spare time with family, watching movies, reading books and experiencing new restaurant/cafes. She and Ezra like to play superheroes with his action figures, attend soccer training and games, cook together in the kitchen and play Nintendo switch.
Kaala Barna created the Violet Evelyn Newman Scholarship, providing financial support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tertiary students caring for children.
Below Kayla shares a little about her studies and her dreams for the future. Congratulations Kayla!
My name is Kayla Williams-Tucker, I am a proud Ngarluma, Wongutha, Noongar woman, living on Whadjuk Boodjar.
One of my greatest joys in life, is my beautiful almost-5 year old son, Ezra, and one of my greatest privileges is raising him, but with most things in life, it's definitely not without its disappointments, hardships, anxieties and worries - it is without a doubt the best and hardest thing ever.
I am currently studying medicine at the University of Notre Dame in Fremantle. I remember from a young age I always wanted to become a doctor, I pursued this knowing I wanted more out of life, especially when my son came into my world. It is through my son, that I have found healing, happiness and purpose, he challenges me, and teaches me new things every day. They say comfort zones are beautiful places, but nothing ever grows there - and so my son, shows me beauty beyond compare everyday.
I believe being an Aboriginal doctor is extremely important for improving the health outcomes for our people - we face many challenges when accessing mainstream services, and being able to be apart of bridging that gap and creating change for our mob creates a space of immeasurable reward.
Studying is never easy, it comes with many challenges. When I find myself in the valleys, I remind myself, why I started this journey to begin with, which is - To inspire my son to chase his dreams, to become a role model for my family living on Country, our people and our future generations.
It is such a honour and privilege to be the first ever recipient of the Violet Evelyn Newman Scholarship. This scholarship has granted me the ability to focus more on my studies, by knowing I can provide for my son and myself so that I can reach my fullest potential academically.
I am beyond grateful.
Thank you.
Kayla & Ezra
Image courtesy of
Mingi Ngai - Hello Harlow Photography.
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