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Student joins Canning Board

When Singapore student Khaasyiyah Kamsani decided to change from landscape architecture to physiotherapy, Canning College became an obvious choice to help her bridge the gap on her pathway to university.

KhaasyiyahandBruce

After completing a Diploma of Design at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, she had taken a break from studying before setting her sights on a new academic adventure.

“I like sketching, designing and drawing – that’s where the passion started,” she said. “In my secondary school, I did Design and Technology. I like designing things, creating ideas, then making it and helping people use the product.

“But physio is also a passion, especially when it comes to helping people.”

With a degree in physiotherapy her new goal, Khaasyiyah started investigating where and what she could study to achieve entry into a degree program.

“My mum had a friend who knew about education exhibitions so we went to one and had a look around,” said Khaasyiyah, who met Canning College Director of International Operations Lisa De’Ceglie at the IDP Singapore event.

“My mum took the initiative and asked her a lot of questions about the school. I also did my homework and I decided to come to Canning College.”

More than a year into her Canning College studies, Khaarsyiyah earned an unexpected learning bonus with her appointment as a student representative to the Canning College Board.

Canning College Chair, Dr Bruce Mackintosh, was delighted that the Board would benefit from Khaasyiyah’s input.

“Khaasyiyah will provide a mature and experienced voice for the student body, while also expanding her knowledge of governance and administrative procedures,” Dr Mackintosh said. “This opportunity will certainly be of mutual benefit to the Board as a whole and, of course, to Khaasyiyah.”

After first completing a Canning College Bridging Program, Khaasyiyah is now almost halfway through the WA Universities’ Foundation Program, which is recognised by universities across Australia and overseas.

“I did my Diploma in Singapore then took a gap year, so I decided I shouldn’t just jump into Foundation,” she said. “I thought I should take the Canning College Year 11 Bridging which was sufficient for me to catch up and prepare for the Foundation Program.”

Khaasyiyah arrived in Perth before border restrictions were imposed in response to the global pandemic. But COVID has had a minimal impact on life in Perth, which has allowed her to get the most out of her experience.

“Perth is a really multicultural city and you get to meet other people from other countries and exchange ideas,” Khaasyiyah said.

“I like the city life. I like the museum. I find it interesting to find out about the Aboriginal culture, and I like nature and running.”

Khaasyiyah is yet to decide where she will study physiotherapy with institutions in Australia and New Zealand in her thoughts.

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