Piper Kennedy always knew she wanted to become a teacher. When her older sister, almost twice her age, became a teacher when she was still in primary school, that's what really ignited her passion.
During the holidays, Piper would help her sister set up her classroom, and from there, she knew that's what she wanted to do too. Having younger cousins, she always loved working with kids and helping them with different aspects of their learning.
Pipers' sister, Ashley, also studied through the University of Newcastle at Ourimbah. With an older sister to look up to and show her the ropes, Piper thrived at university.
"It was so helpful to be able to call her and get her advice about different assignments, or to read over and get her thoughts. Even now that I'm a teacher, I can always call her up and ask for advice," Piper said.
Piper decided to study at Ourimbah because of its reputation and the convenience of being able to study close to home, and really appreciated the tight knit community that she found there.
She says taking on teaching placements was where she learned the most.
"Placements are the most crucial part of university, you don't really learn until you're on the job and getting up in front of the kids," Piper said.
She also gained invaluable work and life experience through her study experiences abroad in places like France, Belguim, and the Maldives.
"Doing some of my placements overseas set me up in a way that no other experience could have. I was in the schools every day practising what I'd actually be doing on the job.
"These experiences have greatly influenced my approach to education, intercultural understanding and my desire to make a difference in diverse learning environments. You come home, and your eyes are more open."
In the coming years Piper is looking forward to moving overseas or rural Australia to teach in a new environment. She plans to work at a school in Indonesia in the near future and embark on her next intercultural education experience.
Piper says that there's so many things that she looks forward to about working in the teaching industry, but her favourite is learning from the kids.
"Out of the whole job, I just really enjoy making connections with the students and learning from each other. Every student that you meet has a different life experience, and something that they can teach you."
For anyone looking to pursue a career in teaching, Piper says have patience and be kind to yourself and get ready to start a career that is ever evolving.
"Becoming a teacher is such a great experience, but it's always evolving. Be kind to yourself and get ready to adapt."
