What are you studying?

I am currently studying my Graduate Diploma of Early Education through Swinburne Online

Where did you hear about the Fraser Foundation?

I first heard about the Fraser Foundation after reading a post outlining scholarship criteria on an Early Years Learning Framework discussion page. Reading over testimonials from recipients of the Fraser Foundation scholarship who were given the opportunity to grow into their fullest potential really inspired me to apply. It's incredible to see what a massive difference help from the Fraser Foundation has made in the lives of so many truly passionate educators who wouldn't otherwise have had the opportunity to grow in their career. 

How does it feel to be the recipient of a Fraser Foundation?

 I am so very grateful to be a recipient of the Fraser Foundation scholarship. Receiving the email stating that I am a recipient made me feel incredible and determined to work toward my goal with confidence. Becoming an early childhood teacher has been my dream for so long, yet it's always seemed unattainable due to the financial stress that funding a postgraduate degree would put on my life. This opportunity has truly changed my life and granted me the ability to carry out my studies which would not have been a possibility for me without financial assistance. With the help of this scholarship I could be the first person in my family to complete a postgraduate degree in higher education, paving the way and inspiring my family members for generations to come.  

What inspired you to dedicate your career to early education?

What led me to early childhood education is my passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children. Some of my greatest childhood memories were made while in care and having the opportunity to facilitate this for children and share the magic of childhood is one of the most rewarding aspects of my life. Knowing what a positive impact my educators had on my childhood is what inspired me to dedicate my career to early education. I am so grateful that I too can be that positive influence in children's lives. For some children, their time spent in care is the highlight of their whole week as it brings them consistency, excitement, and structure.

Working in early childhood education also gives me the opportunity to continue learning and growing every day which is incredibly fulfilling and humbling.  I am passionate about early childhood education because I believe in its importance and I think that every child deserves the best start in life.

As you’re originally from the United States, do you observe the differences in early education or how children are raised between the US and here?

It is my understanding that every family is different and ways in which children are raised vary tremendously, no matter which country you live in. One of the main similarities that I've noticed between the way that children are raised in the USA and Australia is the emphasis on community. 

Differences that I've noticed between early education in the USA and early education in Australia are the fact that in the USA preschools typically run on a half day scheduling basis. Parents would mostly all pick up their children around the same time once the preschool education session commenced, this is because of specific drop off and pick up times. Australian childcare customarily runs long day scheduling with differentiating parent pick up times. Just like in Australia, in the USA preschool is not mandatory.

You clearly have a vested interest in education, how do you will pass down your passion for lifelong learning to the children in your care?

I am appreciative of the fact that as an educator I am given the opportunity to inspire the next generation by encouraging curiosity, exploration and interest in the world. The first 5 years of a child's life are so imperative for their cognitive, social and emotional development. As an early childhood educator it is part of my job to establish a love for learning early on while giving children the skills they need to transition to primary school.

I will do so by providing children with opportunities to cultivate a growth mindset and showing them that learning is a process which takes time. I will teach them that failures are opportunities for learning and growth. I will try my best to foster involvement by showing a genuine interest in children's thoughts and ideas while encouraging exploration and investigation. 

How does your background reflect your passion to teach younger generations?

I truly care about the impact that I make on the lives of the children in my care and I strive to be of assistance to families who are in need of extra support. This is due to adversities that I have faced throughout my own life. I believe that conquering hardship and living through inconsistency is what has given me such passion and drive to succeed in what I do. 

l am grateful to be given the opportunity to help shape children's minds and inspire a true love for learning. Playing a role in facilitating children’s learning journeys and helping them to accomplish goals is one of the most rewarding parts of being an educator for me. I am appreciative to be in the position where I can work collaboratively with parents to provide their children with what they need in order to help foster their learning and development in a way that inspires wonder and true enjoyment.