Life across continents

Aash likes to joke that when people ask where he’s from, the answer depends on who’s asking. His family is Indian, he was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe, moved to Kalgoorlie, and now calls Ellenbrook home. “I’m from everywhere, really,” he laughs. His story stretches across continents, cultures, and communities. At heart, he still feels connected to Zimbabwe, but having lived in Australia longer than in Africa, he now feels firmly rooted here.

Finishing school and moving to WA

His move to Australia began in his final year of high school. His family’s migration paperwork had been in progress for years, and when it was finally approved, his parents had to pack up quickly and move to Kalgoorlie. Aash stayed behind to finish school, living with friends for a few months before joining his family.

Studying remotely before online study existed

After settling in Kalgoorlie, Aash decided to study Theology remotely. His experience was old-school. Literally. This was the early internet era, and ‘online learning’ wasn’t really online yet. At the start of each trimester, a big box of books would arrive at his door, and he’d have 15 weeks to read hundreds of pages and post back his assignments. Connections with classmates were basically non-existent.

Later, as technology caught up, Aash continued his studies by completing a Graduate Diploma in Organisational Leadership at Sydney College of Divinity and a Master of Leadership at Deakin University. Finishing three degrees remotely gave Aash a unique view of how distance education has evolved. From mailed textbooks and hardly any student contact, to clunky early forums with little engagement, to intensive face-to-face blocks and modern platforms trying to build community digitally.

Creating connection

That idea of community became central for Aash. One of the biggest challenges of distance education is the feeling of isolation so, he started creating connections himself. After online classes, he would say, “Hey, if anyone wants to connect, I’m starting a WhatsApp chat.” It was a bit awkward at first, reaching out to total strangers, but people responded. Soon, he was part of a small community of students from different walks of life, people who would never have met otherwise. They quickly became a support network, sharing ideas, struggles, and encouragement. That boldness to initiate connection became one of Aash’s biggest strengths as a student. “Great things can happen if you step out of your comfort zone,” he says.

Discovering a love for leadership

Aash loved seeing others grow, develop confidence and discover their purpose. At the same time, he had seen plenty of examples of poor leadership, both around the world and in his own experiences. He wanted to understand what healthy, sustainable leadership could look like and how to develop emerging leaders. This curiosity turned into his Master’s research project, which explored how communities nurture new leaders, especially people who step into leadership later in life.

Support that kept him going

Throughout his study journey, his biggest supporter was his wife. On days when Aash felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or doubted himself, she reminded him: “This is what learning looks like.” Those words carried him through the hard assignments, the late nights, and the moments he wanted to quit. They became a reminder that learning wasn’t supposed to feel easy and not knowing isn’t failure; it’s part of the process.

Study habits that worked

One habit made a big difference: leaving the house to study. Studying at the Ellenbrook Library helped him stay focused and feel less alone. Seeing other people working, even if they were doing something totally different, gave him a sense of shared purpose. Other strategies that worked were early Sunday mornings, breaking big tasks into smaller chunks, checking in with classmates, and sticking to weekly plans.

Big milestones

Looking back, the moments he’s proudest of aren’t the easy wins. They’re the parts he dreaded, like writing research during his Master’s. Watching the word count slowly grow, until he was removing words instead of adding them, gave him a deep sense of achievement. “I didn’t think I could do that,” he says. “And then I did.”

Coming full circle at the Ellenbrook Study Hub

Today, Aash works as the Coordinator at Lumen’s sister Hub in Ellenbrook, upstairs from the same library he once used as his own study haven. Understanding the challenges of online study, he now connects students, fosters community, celebrates their wins, and walks with them through the tough moments, often using his favourite mantra: “This is what learning looks like.”

Aim high

If he could give his younger self advice, it would be simple but powerful. Aim higher. For years, he didn’t realise what he was capable of. Now he knows he can reach for more and encourages others to do the same.

And for anyone studying today?

Learning isn’t supposed to feel easy. It stretches you, frustrates you, pushes you. Hard moments aren’t a sign you’re failing; they’re a sign you’re learning. Don’t give up when things feel messy; that’s where the growth happens.