Samara Lette and her parents at School of Science Prize Giving Ceremony.
Samara Lette has a deep-rooted connection to the School of Science at Edith Cowan University (ECU), in fact, it's a familial connection.
Both of Samara's parents have science degrees from ECU, so naturally the wonders of science have always been a topic of conversation in the Lette household.
"It made sense for me to further my education in the area and maybe to try and keep up with my parents' expertise," Samara said.
Putting in the hard work
Samara graduated in 2023 and achieved stellar grades for a double degree in Science and Commerce, majoring in Conservation Biology and Event Management.
The annual School of Science Prize Giving Ceremony saw Samara awarded the Talis Prize for Science and Commerce, which recognises excellence in academic performance in the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce double degree.
Similarly, Samara's mum Emily Lette was also a School Prize winner in previous years.
Samara shared that it was a nice surprise to the win the award.
"I would always joke around that 'P's [Pass] get degrees' but when it really came down to it, I would stay overnight in the library to make sure that I was giving my assignments everything I could," Samara said.
"I hold myself to a pretty high standard which can be exhausting sometimes but it meant that everything I submitted was done to a standard I was usually pretty proud of."
Experiences in Bhutan
Throughout her course, Samara also had the opportunity to take part in a sustainability-based study tour to Bhutan during the last semester of her degree.
"We spent two weeks in Bhutan sitting in on lectures and guest speakers talks," Samara said.
"We also went on site visits, attended cultural events, toured monasteries, and spent time living in a remote village in a valley in the mountains.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience and I feel incredibly lucky to have spent time there.
"I had the best time studying at ECU. My course offered great variety and kept me in a really good balance."
Figuring out the future
Since graduating, Samara has taken on a role in ECU's School of Science as a Horticulture Lab Technician, which has been a perfect match since she loves being outdoors and gardening at home.
"My main responsibilities are to source and prepare all the required materials for the horticulture units," Samara said.
"It's been great to see the other side and all the hard work that the lab techs put in for my classes while I was studying."
Like many students, Samara doesn't have a clear vision of where she wants to end up but is set on getting as much experience as she can in different areas.
"I want to work out what I definitely do and don't like, then ideally settle myself in a career a little bit later on," Samara said.
"I am definitely open to the idea of postgraduate studies, but I am not going to jump into anything just yet."
Find out more about ECU's School of Science and the Prize Giving Ceremony.
