A LONG-TERM dream of Greenbank student Ashley Hawkins to teach at her old school Greenbank has come true.
The University of Southern Queensland education student has come full circle after landing her first teaching job at Greenbank State School.
Ashley will graduate from USQ in a few months after completing her Bachelor of Education (primary) at USQ Springfield last year.
It’s been 10 years since Ashley left Greenbank State School and she is excited to be back where it all started.
“I have always wanted to teach at Greenbank and this is an excellent opportunity for me to start my teaching career in a familiar environment,” she said.
I have always wanted to teach at Greenbank and this is an excellent opportunity for me to start my teaching career in a familiar environment
- Ashley Hawkins
“A lot of the staff still recognise me from when I was a student, but the best thing is everyone is so friendly, helpful and respects me as a teacher and not a former student.
“USQ’s education degree has prepared me well for my teaching career, particularly the professional experience I received during my practical placements and Greenbank is somewhere I can grow even further as an educator.”
Ms Hawkins said she was looking forward to the school year and working alongside the staff who first inspired her to get into the profession.
“The school has always had a really positive environment and the experiences I had with my teachers back when I was a student here made me think how rewarding it would be to work as a teacher,” she said.
“Even though I had other interests for other career paths later in school, teaching always stood out to me.”
Ashley’s long-time wish will come true when she teaches her first class on Tuesday (January 29).
She will be teaching year six and is eager to start applying what she has learned as a student.
The former Flagstone State Community College student said she chose USQ’s Springfield campus for its supportive lecturers and close location to her Munruben home.
“The lecturers at USQ have made a huge impact on my life and strengthened my desire to be a teacher,” she said.
“They were always happy to give me advice and ideas, even after I finished my degree, because they genuinely cared and wanted to see me succeed.
“They have really inspired me to want to be the best teacher I can be and someone students can turn to for guidance.”
To learn more about USQ, visit usq.edu.au/education
