Louie’s Story

When Louie arrived in Australia from China, the challenges of age and language were a barrier until he found North Lake. He graduated as dux in 2013 with an ATAR score of 99.3.

“When I arrived in Australia from China my English wasn’t good I couldn’t find a school. I was sad because the opportunity to study means everything to me. After a long time of searching I found North Lake Senior Campus. Because North Lake gave me an opportunity I worked hard to prove I was a good student.”

That’s what Louie told North Lake News near the end of 2013 as he approached his ATAR exams. The problem Louie encountered was that he was too old for Year 11 but despite his talent as a student, Year 12 would prove too hard due to his lack of English. Recently Louie returned to North Lake and he was keen to leave a message.

“After spending time in the Intensive English Centre  I felt more confident,” he said, “I had nice teachers who helped me and I want to thank all the teachers here.” Louie shared the honour of dux of North Lake in 2013 and achieved an ATAR of 99.3. He is now studying for a Bachelor of Science at UWA with majors in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. “I could have studied medicine but I like the work and the knowledge involved in engineering,” Louie said, “I would like to work for a company and build something interesting and useful. My dream is to build a different kind of car – I don’t think it’s impossible.”

“Uni is very hard but very good. There are lots of challenges but if you study hard you can pass.”

Louie recently went back to China and although it was good to see relations and familiar things he now feels Australian. “I want to stay and become an Australian citizen. When I lived in China I thought only about China, now I look more globally.”

“After spending time in IEC I felt more confident,” he said, “I had nice teachers who helped me and I want to thank all the teachers here.”