Divanshi Rana, 31 October, 2023
Teachers shape the life of a child and I’m very excited to be a part of it
I have always been drawn to teaching and working with children, so once I discovered that QUT offered the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) it was so easy to decide where I wanted to be. I never knew this degree existed for International Students in Australia. Most of my family are teachers or Principals, so I was very inspired by them in pursuing this profession. Initially I wanted to do something different and unique to my family’s chosen field such as becoming a doctor, but I decided to start in the Education Industry back in India. I received the government teacher job letter in India which I cleared even after so much competition, on the other hand I received my visa for Australia, and I chose Australia for a respected and better position with work-life balance.
Moving to Brisbane
I chose Brisbane as my study destination as my boyfriend was already here and I really wanted to move to be with him. As I explored different universities to study, QUT stood out as it offered the course I wanted to study – the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood).
Studying at QUT
I really enjoy studying at QUT because it’s very multicultural and welcoming. QUT host many events which is a great way to make friends with people from all over the world. I love that all lectures are recorded, and you have easy access to lots of learning materials online. Teachers are very helpful and supportive, and they reply quickly to your emails if you have any questions. The campus is very nice, and I like the fact it’s within a very close distance to my home.
Getting real-world skills
I've had my first placement for teaching at a state school which was very interesting. It was a great opportunity for me to practice my skills and prepare myself for my future teaching career. It gave me a lot of insights into the profession and how it works, especially as when I was writing the lesson plan, it was for a real class and not just for an assignment at uni. I felt it was easier to apply my skills in the real world and I was more connected with what I was doing. My supervisor gave me feedback on my work every day which helped me improve and it made a big difference at the end of the placement.
Living in Brisbane
It took me some time to settle into living in Brisbane but I'm glad I made the decision. Brisbane has so much to offer and it’s a lovely place to live. I enjoy the work-life balance here and I enjoy my weekends exploring different places. Every place in Brisbane and its surrounds has something unique and its always changing with time. The fellow teachers are very supportive, and it feels like a family rather than a normal workplace.
I really love the South Bank Parklands which has a lot of things to do. Brisbane is such a peaceful city with lots of good places to visit both during the day and night. If you feel like travelling outside the city you have a range of different scenery to enjoy from numerous national parks and mountains, and the fantastic beaches at the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast which are two of my favourite destinations.
Future plans
I currently work part-time in an Early childcare facility gaining some experience in my field whilst I’m studying. This is also a great opportunity for me to apply the skills I’m learning at university. I’m the lead educator currently and I like interacting with families and children every day to make their lives better. Being an early childhood educator, gives me more opportunities in terms of jobs as you can work in childcare, kindergarten, and schools which all operate a bit differently. As I now have worked in almost all the settings, I know how to quickly adapt with changes and teach the best according to my capabilities.
Teachers shape the life of a child and play a very important role. The future of children is in our hands and I’m very excited to be a part of it.
After I graduate, I would love to work in secondary teaching and get some experience in that field. After this I might pursue a doctorate at QUT- only time will tell.
My advice to prospective students
Be relaxed and don’t stress too much, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you keep a positive mindset, stay focused and keep up with your studies, it will go well. Work hard, be prepared, and remember to go with the flow.
