“I grew up watching her passion and compassion for her students as she extended her home into her classroom. Despite the challenges, both teachers and students soldiered on because they believed that education was the only way out of poverty. My mother shared this belief because she understood firsthand what it felt like to be poor; through education, she found the opportunity for a better life.”
Rose says she is overflowing with pride to have been involved in La Trobe University’s Nexus program. Nexus enables participants to obtain their teaching qualification whilst undertaking paid work within a school. Rose completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary) through the Nexus program.
“The program exposed me to the realities of the classroom, allowing me to observe how teachers tackle their daily challenges, such as managing the class and establishing respectful relationships with their students. Most importantly, it helped me figure out how to navigate various situations, especially when handling students who exhibit challenging behaviours, which is a crucial skill to learn.”
Rose migrated to Australia 11 years from the Philippines and grew up on an island, Cebu. There she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Advertising Arts and worked in the corporate world for almost ten years, feeling unfulfilled.
“Now, as a teacher, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to contribute back to the community I love. Teaching in Australia allows me to share my experiences and the importance of education with my students, many of whom come from diverse backgrounds. I want to inspire them to see education as a powerful tool for change, just as it was for me.”
