Though drawn to teaching, and surrounded by teacher friends, for Moree resident Samantha Cosgrove the lingering memory of work experience in a kindergarten classroom in Year 10 put the idea on hold.
But going into youth work didn’t feel quite right, and Sam couldn’t let go of the idea of teaching.
When she finally felt ready to dive into a Bachelor of Education (K-6 Teaching) at UNE, her parents and friends had reservations about the wisdom of the choice. It had been years since Sam had studied, and she was a new mum of twins.
“But one friend encouraged me to just do it,” Sam says, “and I became so determined to prove to myself and others that I could do it, it became a really strong motivator.”
While admitting it was “really hard” at first to balance her studies and parenting responsibilities, she soon found her groove.
I became so determined to prove to myself and others that I could do it, it became a really strong motivator.
“The biggest thing that helped me was timetabling everything. I constantly scheduled everything into my phone, so there was forever a reminder in front of my face of what I needed to do. I think if you let things slip by one day, you’re already behind, so it’s important to get as much done as early as possible.
“But also, just realising I found what I really wanted to do and not guessing anymore about what I should be doing was what made me most determined to get through my study. I felt I had finally found my place!”
Studying fully online, she says UNE made the experience easy.
“I Just found UNE was so helpful. The lecturers genuinely care and want to see you do well and succeed.”
As for the pracs, it was a relief to find she enjoyed being in the classroom – even a kindergarten one.
“I said on my first prac, ‘I’m not teaching little kids, I don’t want to go there!” But I ended up in a kindergarten classroom, and I absolutely loved it! It was the best thing ever! It could have been that I’ve matured, but just seeing these little kids so excited and genuinely wanting to learn, these little sponges that want to do everything, actually made going into Year 5 and 6 classrooms easier.
“It made me more determined to get the older kids engaged in learning and happy at school, because I knew every one of them had once been one of those excited kindergarten kids. I just couldn’t see that when I was in Year 10.”
Time and life experience also add perspective.
“Having your own kids changes things as well,” Sam says. “You know how much as a parent you want your kids to be happy to go to school.”
While content to settle into her career for now and looking for a fulltime position, Sam says studying again is “never off the table”.
“I was surprised at how easy it was for me to study with how crazy my life is. I raised twins, ran the physical culture club and moved twice – and still finished my degree in the time I had set myself. I don’t think that was all down to me; the systems at UNE just made it possible.”
As a casual teacher, Sam has enjoyed bringing all her learning together.
“You only really learn when you’re actually there in the classroom, putting everything into practice and connecting all the dots. I know I’ve finally found where I fit in.”
Her new career also means she has something else in common with her teacher friends. “It will be nice to have holidays together – we might be able to get together a bit more!”
