Business and law graduate takes lessons in advocacy with her
A proud graduate of Western Sydney University, Rose Lewis will ‘always advocate for greater investment in Western Sydney’.
Growing up in Blacktown, Rose is one of four siblings who attended the University. She has now successfully completed a double degree in business and law and donned her graduation cap and gown with her family by her side.
“Western Sydney University is a second home to my family. When my mum needed to retrain in Australia, the University stood out for its commitment to providing the inclusivity and flexibility she needed.”
The Lewis siblings, following in their mother’s footsteps, have since studied for degrees in business, law and social science. Rose said graduating feels peaceful and not like the end but rather just the beginning.
“I have confidence that the University has given me everything an undergraduate could want; I’ve travelled, participated in sports, worked across multiple exciting departments, watched movies under the stars, danced at proms, enjoyed cruises, celebrated recognition as an individual and as a university, and developed my public speaking beyond expectations.”
“I’ll be part of a strong alumni network with its own benefits and mentoring opportunities. I also have the privilege of advising my brother John, who is studying business and sister Jean, who is studying social science, on how to get the most out of their time at the University.”
Rose said she became active in student and uni life which further developed her confidence during her time at University. This included being the undergraduate student member on the Board of Trustees, amongst numerous other student leadership and volunteer roles.
“The University is filled with people who want to see you succeed. I’ve drawn encouragement from family, classmates turned friends, academics and bosses, youth networks I belong to in my spare time, and mentors – usually students more advanced in their degrees looking to pass on their talents and ideas.”
“Like so many students at the University, I was breaking ground by attaining a qualification my family has never had before. Doing my degree alongside mates who were working multiple jobs, running their own businesses and still topping the class or establishing some of the country’s greatest initiatives was the push I needed to not only get a degree but make a splash in student leadership.”
Rose will represent Outer Western Sydney as a State Finalist for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in December, and will be working to establish street libraries for her community following a Blacktown Creative Arts grant.
Her advice to her fellow students is ‘success looks different to different people, so I’d encourage students to define what it means to them’.
ENDS
15 September 2022
Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.