Ashlea West

For Ashlea, returning to study was never part of a carefully mapped-out plan. After leaving school in Year 11, she built a successful career in community pharmacy that spanned almost 20 years. However, a growing desire to understand justice, advocacy and the impacts of trauma led her to the University of Newcastle, where the Yapug pathway program opened the door to a new chapter.

Today, Ashlea is studying a Bachelor of Criminology and is passionate about supporting people who have experienced harm and adversity. Her journey shows that there is no single path to university and that it is never too late to pursue a new direction.

After leaving school in 2004, Ashlea began a traineeship in community pharmacy, which developed into a long-term career spanning almost two decades. Throughout her career, she worked closely with a diverse range of people and communities, gaining valuable insight into the challenges individuals can face and the importance of compassion, support and advocacy.

"My time in that space has deeply shaped my desire to advocate for the rights of victims, both within the justice system and in everyday life.”

When considering university, Ashlea was drawn to the University of Newcastle because of the Yapug pathway and its connection to the Wollotuka Institute (Wolly). Like many mature-age students, she wanted a supportive environment that would help her transition back into learning and build confidence in her academic abilities.

Her decision to enrol in Yapug came during a particularly challenging period in her life, encouraged by her brother, who saw the potential benefits of returning to study. Taking that first step ultimately led her to receiving a Ma and Morley Scholarship and a place in the Bachelor of Criminology.

"I learnt how to survive in the academic space, from building paragraphs to understanding different referencing styles to writing annotated bibliographies.”

The program not only equipped Ashlea with practical academic skills but also introduced her to the benefit of being taught from a First Nations perspective. One of the most memorable aspects of Yapug was the opportunity to connect with culture, community and Country. A visit to Mount Sugarloaf left a lasting impression.

"Even though I had been there before, I had never heard about the significance of the area to the Awabakal people. Walking the land and listening to those stories was profound, especially at that point in my life."

The strong sense of community she found through Yapug has continued throughout her university experience. Wolly remains an important part of her weekly routine, providing both practical support and a welcoming place to connect with others.

"Wolly has become part of my weekly routine," she says. "I'm now two years into my degree, and I still attend Wolly frequently. Every staff member is welcoming and genuinely enthusiastic about supporting students in any way they can."

The friendships she formed through the program have also had a lasting impact.

"From the beginning of my Yapug journey, I started forming friendships and connections, many of which have become important parts of my life outside of Wolly."

While Ashlea is still exploring exactly where her studies may take her, she knows her future will involve advocacy and helping others.

"And here I am, studying criminology, under a scholarship, still not entirely sure where it will take me, but grateful for where it has led me so far."

Ashlea's story highlights the power of pathways like Yapug to build confidence, provide opportunity and create a sense of belonging. Through the support of the Wollotuka Institute, she has not only found her place at university but also discovered new possibilities for her future.

By the end of Yapug, I told myself that if I was successful in gaining entry to the Ma and Morley Scholarship, I would study Criminology. And here I am, studying criminology, under a scholarship.