I was born in Brisbane and lived in south-east rural Queensland before moving to Ballarat, Victoria, around 10 years ago. We now live on land in a small town called Buninyong. I have a beautiful family made up of my loving mum and dad and younger brother Julian. We’re an active family; my brother and I spend most of our spare time outside. We both rowed during high school and I have continued rowing as I study now. I competed in a trans-Tasman regatta last year for the University of Melbourne on Lake Karapiro in New Zealand.
The dream I had of attending Trinity College was one I was incredibly nervous about. There is something about a country upbringing that can sometimes make you unsure of your capacity to take on the ‘big smoke’. But Melbourne is just as wonderful and busy and normal as most other places. I’ll be forever grateful to Melbourne for giving me this insight as I take on other cities around the globe.
I completed work experience in Year 10 at a primary school in Ballarat. It was a wonderful experience that showed me how much time and effort goes into quality teaching and also how vital it is to have capable teachers that help children to have the best possible start in life. I’ve had personal experiences connecting me to children that were forgotten by some of their teachers. It moved me to understand the responsibility that the education system has to maintain standards that include all children in reaching benchmark skills for literacy and numeracy.
A good education benefits the child in all aspects of their development and wellbeing. Educating someone has national and global economic and health benefits – all the evidence points towards a decent education from start to finish, which gives people the freedom of knowledge, choice and understanding that makes for thriving communities. In these ever-evolving times it’s vital to ensure we have capable hands to pick up where things are left off.
To begin my career, I’ll work as a primary school teacher. I have been told what a challenging career I have chosen. Perhaps in my naivety, I believe any exhaustion I face will be worth it if I can give children the skills and self-belief that my own teachers were able to give me. I want my students to leave the classroom having actually learnt something and to feel good about themselves. I plan then, after having my own family, to perhaps complete more study in education policy, management and curriculum and see where that can take me.
The level of scholarship at Trinity College has reinforced my drive to enter the education field because of its commitment to us as students and as people. They expect that we are capable, clever and will contribute to our communities. We are given both collective and individualised support in our studies with various members of staff who are passionate about ensuring we aim for the excellence expected of students who try their absolute best. All teachers should take the same pride in educating the children who are ultimately our future. I’m forever a Trinitarian, and forever grateful.
As told to Ian Coyukiat
