Meet Emily. Emily initially studied creative arts and after volunteering for various schools, she decided to follow her passion for teaching children and undertake a postgraduate teaching degree at Deakin. We caught up with Emily to find out more about her career change to choose to study the Master of Teaching (Primary and Early Childhood) course.
After volunteering at a primary school and a special needs school, I discovered my passion was with teaching children.
Why did you choose to study at Deakin?
Emily I chose to first study at Deakin in my undergrad because I had attended Open Day and was instantly impressed by the inclusiveness and the student residence. Coming from a small country town I wanted a university that felt friendly and homely. I chose to stay at Deakin and complete my Masters as I had such a good experience in my undergrad that I couldn’t imagine going somewhere else and being as comfortable and receiving the same services. So it was a very easy decision!
What made you interested in choosing your study area to pursue a career?
Emily: I wasn’t interested in teaching at first. I started at Deakin studying Film and Television, an area I really enjoyed. After volunteering at a primary school and a special needs school, I discovered my passion was with teaching children and I applied for the Master of Teaching right away! It’s the best decision I have made for myself.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your course?
Emily: One of the most rewarding parts about studying with Deakin is the ability to be involved in a friendly and active community. Over my time here I’ve lived on the student residences, been a residential leader, participated in the Student Ambassador Program and been on many excursions.
Have you undertaken any professional experience or internships?
Emily: Throughout my Teaching course I have participated in 90 days of placement in both rural and metropolitan settings. These placements are honestly one of the most rewarding parts of the course as you get to put all of your classroom work and study into practice. Deakin also really supports its students whilst on placement. Each placement I have had a Deakin staff member come to visit me and offer general advice and support, which really helped in building my confidence.
Have you accessed any of Deakin’s support programs
Emily: In my first year of university I participated in Deakin’s Peer Mentor Program. Coming from rural Victoria I felt as though I’d benefit from a little extra support while orientating to the big city! The program really helped me meet others in my course and gave me confidence in tackling daunting assignments.
Where do you see your career in five years?
Emily: In five years I see myself as a confident Early Years Teacher and hopefully mentoring student teachers myself!
What would you say to someone considering study at Deakin University?
Emily: Although I have predominantly been an on campus student, during the COVID-19 crisis I was given the opportunity to continue my studies on the cloud campus. One of the best things I found about the online learning was that it was much easier to fit into a busy schedule. I could access online classes anytime, meaning I could study around work, life and social commitments,
If I was to describe the culture at Deakin I would say: Friendly, inclusive and motivating.
Emily enrolled in the Master of Teaching (Primary and Early Childhood) course at Deakin University.