Learn more about Rachelle
I am currently Studying Bachelor of Education Birth to Five years online with Charles Sturt University.
I heard about the Fraser Foundation for the first time in 2025 through pamphlets that had been left at my work place. in 2026 I was fortunate to be able to attend a Roma professional development day where The Fraser Foundation had information and a lovely caring consultant to talk to. I had already started my studies and it was at the Roma day that I decided to apply for the scholarship to help with my course fees.
It feels absolutely amazing to be granted this wonderful opportunity. For myself and my family, it provides vital financial freedom while I balance my part-time university studies. Knowing that my tuition fees are taken care of removes a massive layer of stress, allowing me to focus entirely on my coursework without the looming worry of a heavy HECS debt to pay back once I graduate. This life-changing support means I can pour all my energy into my passion for early childhood education, giving me the peace of mind to be the best educator, student, mother, and grandmother I can be.
My decision to become an Early Childhood teacher is deeply rooted in my personal journey as a student, a professional, a parent, and now a grandparent. Having navigated a challenging school life with learning difficulties, my view of education was completely transformed by a few remarkable teachers who made small, meaningful impacts that showed me the true value of supportive guidance. Later in my career, collaborating with inspiring colleagues gave me the confidence to fully pursue my passion for teaching. Ultimately, my greatest inspiration has been raising my own children into adulthood; their diverse educational lives constantly challenged my perspectives, teaching me that our fundamental role as educators is to meet children exactly where they are within their own unique level of understanding, rather than forcing them to conform to adult-centric expectations. Now, watching my grandson grow and learn brings a whole new layer of joy and insight to my work, continuously reinforcing my commitment to fostering a world where every young child's unique agency and development are genuinely celebrated.
Working with young children is both a rewarding and challenging journey that brings both immense joy and unique challenges every day. For me, the best part of the day is building those safe, meaningful connections and witnessing the pure wonder in children's faces whether it be gaining a new skill or finding a shiny rock —knowing you are supporting them exactly where they are at in their own unique level of understanding. There is nothing like the pride of seeing a child who has been struggling suddenly gain confidence to succeed. At the same time, the most challenging part is making sure that every single child receives that same passionate, dedicated guidance, especially when navigating complex developmental needs, behaviors, or emotional transitions. Balancing the heavy parts of the day and rigorous documentation required to advocate for each child's rights takes an enormous amount of heart, however meeting them where they are and celebrating their individual agency makes every challenging moment completely worth it.