Layla Klinkert
Headstart program student
Budding author Layla Klinkert completed two Headstart courses at USC while studying in Year 11.
“I heard about Headstart for the first time when my mum picked up a brochure from the University,” she says.
“A month later, my school told the students about the program and encouraged us to consider the opportunity.”
Layla soon chose to take part.
“I thought that it would assist me in my school studies and I liked the idea that if successful, I would gain direct entry into USC,” she says.
Layla says she opted to enrol in Headstart in Year 11 so as to minimise the workload in her final year of school. She also recommends that Headstart students start work for each university course as far in advance as possible.
“For anyone starting out, my advice is to attend all of the tutorials and start the workload at the earliest opportunity,” she says.
“Being a little bit ahead, is always better than a little behind, because delays in work completion can disrupt future tasks.”
In choosing her courses, Layla opted to follow her passion for creative writing. In Semester 1, she successfully completed Introduction to Creative Writing, and in Semester 2, Novel Ideas.
“I have always loved writing, and I found both courses beneficial. English is my strongest school subject and I would like to make a career for myself through writing,” she says.
Layla, who now plans to major in journalism, says Headstart was an “extremely rewarding and enjoyable experience”.
“In both courses, I was given constructive feedback and guidance, which enabled me to improve my writing,” she says.