Hi, my name is Talia Nelson, and I study the Bachelor of Education (Primary) full-time.
Ever since grade one I knew I wanted to be teacher. From a very young age I would play teachers with my dolls and even somehow convinced my sister to be my student.
I followed through with my passion to teach as I knew I wanted to be able to have the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives.
I wanted to be able to make learning fun for students and get to witness those ‘lightbulb moments’. The moments where something clicks, and the student finally understands the concept. I also want to inspire others and take part in shaping the next generation.
The first two years of university I worked four jobs. Juggling life and study definitely took a lot of work. I had to ensure that I was organised and on top of all my work or I would fall behind. My biggest tip is don’t leave things till last minute and leave some time for yourself!
A massive highlight of my course so far has been the CLaW trip. I was lucky enough to be one of four students to travel up to Far North Queensland and explore the remote areas and schools of Bamaga, Saibai and Thursday Island.
Another highlight has been going over to Cambodia for two weeks to volunteer and teach English to the Khmer children.
I have been on two placements so far! One metropolitan and the other regional. These were amazing as they really cemented that teaching was for me. As well as this, PEx (Professional Experience) greatly grew me as a pre-service teacher. I came away with so much more experience and a lot more tools under my belt, especially with behaviour management and how to manage trauma in the classroom. I'm so grateful to my two mentor teachers, both of whom I still keep in contact with. My big tip for placements is to be flexible, open-minded and say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.
I really encourage pre-service teachers to go and experience a placement in a rural, regional or remote area as it's such an incredible experience, one that grows and develops you both personally and professionally as well as this you meet so many people and it begins to feel like your family and community.
