Where are you studying?

I’m studying with Swinburne Online full-time and I’m expecting to finish my Graduate Diploma in October 2024.

How did you hear about the Fraser Foundation?

I actually learned about the Fraser Foundation through my Facebook newsfeed a few weeks after I signed up for my Graduate Diploma. It had one of my very old work colleagues in the video that's what had me realise that it was something worth pursuing.

How did it feel to receive a scholarship? 

It feels like a weight lifted off my shoulders especially with the financial and the living expenses these days.

Moreover, receiving this scholarship would help me reduce my reliance on student loans, ensuring that I graduate with less debt and greater financial security. This financial stability would not only benefit me during my university years but also in the years that follow as I continue in the workforce as a teacher of early childhood.

I feel so appreciative and lucky to be receiving the help towards my fees. I am deeply committed to making a meaningful difference, and this scholarship would provide the necessary resources and support to turn my aspirations into reality. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the betterment of my community through education.

What would you say to someone who wants to work with children?

You have to have that passion. I have a very strong passion for the early childhood profession, it started all back when from my Kindergarten teacher Miss Trish, she is one of the two teachers I really remember, and they were both from my early/primary school years. If you have that passion, that drive, working with young children and wanting to be a part of their growth and development, I think go for it. I just love being a part of seeing them develop and gain new knowledge. Being a part of their success, you’re there for the process, and that achievement at the end.

Where would you like to take your career after you finish your degree?

I have a very strong passion to help guide the implementation of our program within our centre as the educational leader and director. I am very excited to be able to have my degree as an early childhood teacher (ECT). 

How do you think you’ll incorporate your culture into your teaching?

I identify as an Aboriginal person, and I am a learner and am always looking for training, and ways to build my knowledge. I believe that incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the programs and learning environments is a strong part of our profession. 

What brings you a sense of fulfilment in your career?

I find immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth and progress of young children. The "aha" moments when a child grasps a new concept or skill can be deeply rewarding. I love seeing the happiness and fulfillment on not only the child's face but also on the families’ faces when you share successes with them about the child. This brings me so much joy!

Children teach us many things in our career. They learn and grow just as much as we do, and I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be than the early childhood sector to teach the future generations of our world.

Finally, as a mum of two young children, how do you think you pursuing further studies now influences them?

 I think that everything I am doing now influences and role models to them that with a little hard work and determination anything is possible. I am also hoping that they are seeing that having a work-life balance and ensuring that you look after yourself is very important to everyone, including little people and all adults.