First year law student set for success

With her sights set on a career in government law and politics, first year student Fatmah Al Shamri knew from Year 8 that studying law would be the right choice.

Encouraged by her teachers at St Marys Senior High School to put her creative thinking and strong reading and writing skills into practice Fatmah took the leap and attended Western Sydney University’s Open Day to see if the University could set her on the path to her dream career.

It was during a consultation about the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Creative Leadership, that Fatmah confirmed her desire to enrol at Western Sydney University.

“Open Day is a great chance to learn something about university and clear up any misconceptions you might have," said Fatmah.

“Visiting the consultations for my planned degree was a bit nerve wracking, but looking back at it now, it’s a pivotal part of my university experience and I think ‘that was actually really fun, imagine if I didn’t go’.”

Now in her first year and excited for what her university journey will bring, Fatmah is already seeing how her studies will translate into a career in the legal profession.

“During high school I developed a deep passion for the humanities, which many lawyers examine in their careers. With the advice of my teachers, it made sense for me to study law,” said Fatmah.

“Commencing my studies at Western Sydney University has offered me amazing opportunities to network and communicate with industry experts as well as my peers, giving me a strong foundation of people I can turn to for advice in the legal profession.”

“I am already building my network and confidence and learning what to expect from my future career path through the opportunities that The Academy unlocks.”

Western Sydney University’s The Academy (opens in a new window) is a community of students dedicated to making the most of their studies. Designed for students seeking to develop leadership and transferable skills, the interdisciplinary program is open to passionate and driven students within the University.

Growing up Fatmah didn’t really understand what university was, but when she participated in Western Sydney University’s Academy U program during high school and attended the University’s Open Day, she realised the possibilities.

“This inspired me to really take the initiative to enrol in a university that provided the right environment, amenities and community for me to thrive in, and after reflecting on my time in Academy U, seeing the vibrant campus at Open Day, and receiving an early offer, it only felt right that Western Sydney University would be my top choice.”

Western Sydney University’s Academy U (opens in a new window) delivers inspiring learning opportunities to high potential high school students. The program prepares students for the transition to university, while showcasing study and career pathways they may not have considered.

Throughout her high school years, Fatmah found opportunities to exercise her leadership skills including as house captain in Year 12 and leading clubs and committees across various cultural, sporting and academic interest areas.

“These extracurriculars taught me so much about commitment, aspiration, communication, an openness to lifelong learning and a nonchalant approach to taking on a problem differently to others.”

Just over halfway through her first semester, Fatmah is already seeing how her studies are helping her think differently.

“Now when I hear stories on the news, I look at it from a legal standpoint as opposed to an emotional standpoint. University is teaching me the skills I need to assess cases that are happening now in real time.”

Fatmah encourages others to consider studying law at Western Sydney University – with the School of Law now celebrating its 30^th anniversary – where she already feels she is being set up for future success.

Students can learn more about opportunities to study at Western Sydney University at Open Day (opens in a new window) on 6 July 2025, 10am-4pm.

“Hopefully in a few years I will be doing an internship where I’ll be expected to read and write more than I thought possible, but I will know that all the tasks set for me at university, such as weekly readings, will have set me up to manage this. That’s what I hope to get out of my degree.”

ENDS

2 July 2025

Lauren Coskerie, Senior Media Officer

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas