Bullied, never beaten: Schoolgirl who dared to dream

Kawana Crowe was used to being left out of social life at school because she was “different” - now she’s preparing for a glorious homecoming at Coffs Harbour to inspire the next generation to just go for it.

A 20-year-old shunned at her Coffs Coast school by fellow students but encouraged by teachers is now working on developing a process which could develop a smarter detection test for Covid.

Growing up in Macksville where she attended the public primary school before going on to Nambucca High, Kawana Crowe admits she was nerdy - and her smarts led to bullying.

“It’s hard being a kid in general but if you are different in any way it can be even more difficult,” Kawana said.

“I wasn’t involved a whole lot in my year group at school - nobody really wanted to spend much time with me.

“It was just really intense social exclusion but I was very focused on my studies so it was not end of the world for me, but it was still difficult.”

Kawana Crowe on her graduation from Nambucca High School with a swag of academic awards.

Kawana’s dedication to learning paid off though as she starred on the academic front, being first in subject for physics, chemistry, biology, advanced English, advanced mathematics and music at Nambucca High.

She also received the Dux/Senior Academic Award and the Senior Aboriginal Excellence Award - and won a scholarship to the University of Sydney where she is in her third year studying science.

In October, Kawana will travel to Paris to compete in the International Genetically Engineered Machine research competition.

Kawana Crowe: “In the world I grew up in, ‘scientist’ was not represented as a viable career option.”

There, as part of a nine-person team from the university, they’ll present their work on a superior Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), which among other hoped for things, will be able to detect different variants of Covid.

“We’re just really interested to see if we can get it to work, that will be the first hurdle,” Kawana said.

It’s already been a remarkable ride for the young Wiradjuri woman who was conditioned that such an important calling in life was beyond her.

While Kawana dreamt of studying science as a young girl, attending university appeared a microscope too far.

Both her parents left school in Year 10, and her dad died from cancer when she was eight - leaving her mum to support the family on a single income.

Flashback: The Covid testing station at Coffs Harbour. Picture: Chris Knight.

Due to financial hardship, they moved frequently ­– seven times before Kawana started high school.

“In the world I grew up in, ‘scientist’ was not represented as a viable career option,” she said.

“I only knew it was possible because I watched a lot of CSI-style forensics television shows.”

But her teachers at Nambucca High could see the light within.

“Where it may have been difficult for me to access those opportunities the school helped tremendously in bridging any gaps to make sure that everything was available to me,” she said.

“I’ve made some amazing friends. They’re all a bunch of nerds like me,” Kawana said.

Kawana’s ticket to tertiary study came in the form of a scholarship scheme for students experiencing financial hardship, from areas of socio-economic disadvantage, or rural and regional schools.

With that lifeline, she is thriving at Sydney University, studying genetics, genomics and microbiology.

“Coming to uni has been wonderful,” she said.

“I’m learning and exploring different things, and I’ve made some amazing friends. They’re all a bunch of nerds like me.”

On Thursday, Kawana will be centre stage in Coffs Harbour for something of a glorious homecoming, as she will share her story with prospective students at a ‘Meet Sydney’ event.

The session (5-6.30pm, St John Paul College Theatre, Hogbin Drive) will provide information about the university for local high school students in Years 10-12.

RSVPs essential: eventbrite.com.au/e/meet-sydney-coffs-harbour-tickets-349161680987

“I want to make other regional, remote and Indigenous students aware that university is a possibility they can consider,” Kawana said.