December 1, 2022
Not everyone gets dealt an easy hand in life, but that doesn’t mean that persistence, hard work and determination won’t pay off in the long run.
Former students at Kingaroy State School and Kingaroy State High School might remember Jameison Pawlik.
Jameison, who is now 17, had a very young mum, Danielle, and was struggling at school in Kingaroy.
He had trouble focusing on his schoolwork and although he had a group of friends, it didn’t look like his academic career would be going far.
At the end of Year 8, Jameison transferred to Ipswich State High School where initially he again struggled and was placed in a special class.
He knew fewer people and still couldn’t cope with his schoolwork.
“I found it incredibly difficult to keep up with everyone. It was a major struggle for me,” Jameison told southburnett.com.au this week.
“I lacked the ability to focus on anything that they were trying to teach me.”
But then in Year 10, there was a breakthrough.
Jameison was formally diagnosed with “Inattentive ADHD”, which Danielle says is basically the opposite of hyperactivity.
“This came with challenges and due to the nature of the condition and late diagnosis he was significantly behind academically,” Danielle said.
But with the correct medication, Jameison started to improve and was moved into mainstream classes.
“From the moment that I took it, it immediately helped me,” Jameison said.
Danielle was determined that her son finish Year 12 and so was Jameison!
“Initially we started him on a QCIA (Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement) which is more goal-based and he would receive a certificate of participation,” Danielle said.
“He was four months into completing his QCIA when he decided he wanted to complete his QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education).
“We were all very hesitant and probably a bit discouraging. It was hard work, not impossible, but he had 18 months to achieve his points to graduate.
“During that time he worked tirelessly.”
Jameison faced a few more hurdles along the way … he began a traineeship in Automotive Underbody Technology while at school, but the training group which was managing his study closed down.
He also came down with COVID-19 right in the middle of his exams.
“But this made him more resilient and determined,” Danielle said.
Jameison graduated from Ipswich State High School on November 18 and has now been offered a full-time apprenticeship in Light Vehicle Mechanics at the business where he had been placed as a trainee.
“It was something I had dreamed of doing,” Jameison said. “It was always something I was trying to push towards.”
“Jameison definitely had his challenges ahead of him – being Aboriginal, ADHD and the son of a young mum!” Danielle said.
“I want his story to be an inspiration for others. Not only for our mob but for others that may have ADHD or other ‘super powers’, or in Jameison’s words ‘cool abilities’.
“It’s not easy but with the right support from family and school anything is possible!”
Jameison told southburnett.com.au that he was very grateful for all the support he had received from his family and school.
His apprenticeship starts next Monday.
Congratulations! What an exceptional young man you are. I hope you have a very bright and successful future, you’ve certainly earned it.
Massive congratulations to you Jameison! You worked very hard and should be so proud of your achievements. Best wishes for all the success you’ve dreamed of coming true!
Congratulations Jameison, to you and your “village” that has helped you achieve your goals. Nothing will hold you back with your determination.
Thank you soo much for you kind thoughts and words. We appreciate them x