Moving from the country to the city is a daunting reality for many WA young people looking to make their first foray into the 'big smoke'.
For South West local Shane Herbst, the transition was a challenge he chose to grab with both hands.
Shane grew up in Margaret River, attended the local school and graduated in 2016 before moving to Perth to study Law and Commerce at Curtin University.
"I had a relatively normal childhood - spent winter playing footy and summer playing cricket, like many country kids do," he said.
"As a child I had a really broad exposure to different experiences: parental influence introduced everything from art, comedy, and politics to sports, fishing and camping."
Shane credits his upbringing for his well-rounded world view and wouldn't change a thing.
"I grew up in a single-parent, low-income household," he explained.
"I learnt to never waste anything let alone opportunities or life itself, appreciate all you have, and enjoy the small things.
"I was incredibly fortunate to live in a town many consider the best in the country.
"Growing up outside the metropolitan area had its perks: access to amazing nature, a strong community environment and what I perceive as a more real youth."
As is often the case with country kids, a trip to Perth was cause for excitement, but also a reminder of a different lifestyle.
"You don't have the same opportunities in the country and I probably didn't realise the extent of this until I moved away," Shane said.
"From small conveniences and access to major events, to sporting and academic opportunities, Perth children and teens certainly have a wider pool of options to pursue."
As the first person in his family to attend university, Shane decided to make the most of the experience.
This included applying for as many scholarships and programs that piqued his interest, which is how he came across Mannkal's flagship Leadership Development Program.
The program provides scholarships to Western Australian university students to attend conferences, participate in study tours and connect with industry both domestically and internationally.
The world-renowned program develops professional, team building and critical thinking skills as well as exposing students to Austrian economics and theories surrounding individual rights.
Since its founding, Mannkal has awarded more than 2,000 scholarships to young Western Australians to provide them with a global perspective on government policy making and to explore the benefits of private and limited government economic solutions.
"Curtin advertise many external scholarship opportunities including the Leadership Development Program by Mannkal," Shane said.
"The opportunity to study economics, governance and policy - taught by some of the US and Australia's best - a travel scholarship, and executive level coaching with top rate psychologists seemed too good to refuse."
While 2020 has postponed the international travel part of the Scholarship, it has also provided the chance to develop knowledge and economic relationships closer to home.
He has used the opportunity to work part-time at Mannkal as an analyst, which involves researching, analysing and advocating for certain policies.
Shane credits the program with fast-tracking his career with opportunities that would normally come to a top executive or academic.
"The Mannkal program helped developed my shift my mindset," Shane said.
"It left me more open minded, disciplined, and principled.
"These traits have allowed me to build relationships with a wider berth of people and become more productive.
"Intellectually, I gained a far greater appreciation of the importance of principles and the role of government.
"Personally, it left me a far more introspective, versatile, and amiable individual."
For many regional students, 2021 will represent the first time living away from family and on reflection, Shane has some tips for those taking a similar path.
"The transition to Perth, isn't as different as you would expect, and three years later, novelties like being able to go to the footy at Optus Stadium after work (rather than after a 3-hour trip) haven't worn off," he said.
"At the end of the day, you're only ever a car ride away from home."
He is also an advocate of taking time off after high school.
"I took a gap year abroad so that was probably a bigger jump than the move to Perth," he said.
"Use your gap year to set yourself up financially, travel the world and buy time to figure out what you really want to do.
"Also, if you then choose to go to university, it's like cheating. Most of the class will be a year younger than you - you will have a head start.
"Don't rush into it - there is plenty of time for work and study.
"You're not young for long, and if 2020 has taught us anything, there is no guarantee what next year will hold.
"If you're unsure, just have a crack, and if it's not for you, you can always move back.
"If it is for you, countless doors will open."
