Where did you hear about the Fraser Foundation? 

One of the ladies I work with mentioned it to me while we were conversing about University, I was in the process of applying for the course when she told me.

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

I don't think words can explain the gratitude I feel. I was already feeling the pinch as a single mum so having this opportunity is amazing.

What inspired you to change from a success career in banking to early education? When I was at school, my work experience was in a preschool. So it's definitely something I had thought about during school. When I left school I didn't think I had the grades to go to Uni let alone the money, I was also from a single mum family. I think there is a barrier there in itself. So when the time came to move on from the bank, it was just a given. It was the first and only option I investigated.

You clearly have a vested interest in early education, how do you will pass down your passion for lifelong learning to the children in your care, as well as your son? I think my own constant learning journey is a great example I have set for my son. It’s never to late to follow and achieve a goal. He understands Uni for me is a way to improve my job prospects and to make a better life for us. I share my Uni journey with my peers and the children in my care.

 What made you want to move from educator in nursery to ECT? Nursery is … a blessing to care for little ones and share a love that a mother offers their child. I guess my instincts as a mother are a great attribute to a nursery educator. I had been there for three straight years and I knew it was time to try something new, something different. I have spent limited time in the Kindergarten at my centre but had still bonded with those children.. And of course the financial benefits [of becoming an ECT] were also on my mind.

What centre do you work in? I'm currently at Kidzco ELC Merrimac, in Queensland. Besides nursery education, I was in other roles also, including educational leader and assistant director. This year as I join the Kindergarten as an ECT, I am in an amazing position as the children I started with in my current centre, from the babies room and now all my students in the Kindy program and that is exciting!