Thi (Tracy) Nguyen – received an Early Childhood Scholarship through the Victorian State Government’s Department of Education. As managers of the Early Childhood Scholarship program, BUSY At Work, asked her about her experience and what it has meant for her career in early childhood.
Can you share a little about your background before receiving the scholarship?
Before receiving the scholarship for my Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching, I was already working as an educator and deeply passionate about children’s development. I wanted to improve my knowledge and skills to provide the best learning experiences for young children. However, the financial burden of course fees was a significant challenge, and I worried about how I would manage placement, as it required me to pause my work commitments.
How did receiving this scholarship change your life and your opportunities regarding studying to become an ECT?
The scholarship provided me with the financial security to focus on my studies without the stress of balancing full-time work and coursework. It allowed me to engage in hands-on learning experiences, complete my placements without interruption, and fully immerse myself in professional development opportunities. With the scholarship, I was able to develop the skills and confidence to support children’s development, ensuring I could make a meaningful impact in early childhood education.
Now, as a qualified ECT, I feel empowered to bring quality teaching, inclusivity, and innovation into early childhood settings. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and it has shaped both my career and personal development in ways I never imagined.
What challenges did you face before or during your role as an ECT, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges during my role as an ECT was adapting my teaching approach to meet the diverse needs of children, including those with additional learning requirements or different developmental stages. To overcome this, I implemented individualized learning strategies based on children’s interests and strengths. I also worked closely with specialists, families, and co-educators to develop Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) that aligned with their developmental goals. Additionally, I fostered an inclusive classroom environment by encouraging peer collaboration, social-emotional learning, and differentiated teaching approaches.
Through ongoing reflection and professional development, I refined my ability to meet the diverse needs of children while maintaining high-quality early education practices. This experience strengthened my ability to be adaptable, responsive, and committed to supporting every child’s learning journey.
What skills or experiences did you gain as a Scholarship recipient?
Through this scholarship, I strengthened my time management and adaptability skills, learning how to balance coursework, placements, and personal responsibilities effectively. I also deepened my ability to engage in reflective teaching practices, critically evaluating my methods and making adjustments to enhance children’s learning experiences. The scholarship allowed me to connect with experienced educators and mentors, fostering strong collaboration and communication skills that have been invaluable in my professional development. Additionally, the experience reinforced my resilience and determination, as overcoming financial challenges and academic pressures helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community projects during your Scholarship?
During my scholarship, I took the opportunity to engage in various extracurricular activities that enriched my learning experience and helped me develop valuable skills. I actively participated in leadership roles, where I was able to support my peers, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive learning environment. Additionally, I joined community projects that allowed me to make a meaningful impact, reinforcing my passion for education and service. These experiences not only complemented my academic journey but also shaped my ability to work with others, adapt to challenges, and grow as a future Early Childhood Teacher.
How has the Scholarship influenced your future career plans?
The scholarship has played an important role in shaping my future career plans by providing access to mentorship programs, training workshops, and diverse learning environments, all of which have helped me build a strong foundation in inclusive and child-centered teaching practices. Through these experiences, I have developed essential skills that allow me to support and engage children in meaningful learning opportunities, ensuring that every child feels valued and included. Additionally, the scholarship empowered me to take part in community initiatives and leadership roles, reinforcing my commitment to advocating for high-quality early childhood education. These opportunities have strengthened my confidence, skills, and dedication, inspiring me to continue learning, contribute to educational research, and explore leadership opportunities within the field. Most importantly, this scholarship has supported my passion for becoming a compassionate and inspiring ECT, dedicated to shaping young minds and helping them build a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently working as a Diploma Educator at Oakleigh Primary School Kindergarten. I just have got an offer for an ECT position at ECMS. I’m waiting for my VIT approval to start my new career as an ECT.
What is your Favorite memory from your study and/or employment journey as a Scholarship recipient?
One of my favourite memories from my journey as a scholarship recipient was during my placement, where I led a project to plant a diverse garden with children, families, and the broader community. Parents generously donated traditional plants from their cultures, and Wyndham Libraries provided a variety of seeds, creating a beautiful opportunity for children to explore different herbs and plants. Starting in spring, the children carefully nurtured the garden, watching it flourish with vibrant greenery and meaningful connections. The highlight of this experience was using the fresh herbs and lettuce from our garden to make Vietnamese spring rolls, an activity that filled the children with excitement. As they eagerly prepared and tasted the fresh spring rolls, their enthusiasm was contagious, turning a simple cooking experience into a celebration of cultural learning. What made this moment truly special was how parents engaged with the project, asking for recipes and eagerly sharing their own, transforming the experience into a heartfelt exchange of traditions. This initiative not only supported children’s learning but also brought the community closer together, reinforcing the power of education in fostering connection, inclusion, and shared experiences. Seeing the joy and curiosity in the children and families involved made this project a deeply fulfilling and unforgettable moment in my journey as a pre-service teacher.
Is there a person (mentor, teacher, friend) who played a significant role in your success?
Throughout my journey to becoming an Early Childhood Teacher, my teachers, Frances and Caterina, have been guiding lights, shaping not only my academic success but also my personal growth. Their support helped me navigate each unit, refine my philosophy, and develop resilience in the face of challenges. Frances’ powerful words—”Never give up, trust yourself”—echoed in my mind, inspiring me to stay determined even when doubt crept in. And during one of my most stressful moments in the last 30 days of placement, Caterina’s heartfelt email reminded me of my own strength, encouraging me to embrace self-care and believe in my abilities. Their mentorship has been invaluable, and I will always be grateful for the wisdom, kindness, and encouragement they shared with me.
How did you find the communication and support provided by BUSY At Work?
BUSY At Work has been an incredible source of support throughout my course, providing guidance every step of the way. Their assistance has been invaluable, especially in helping me navigate the scholarship process with clarity and confidence. From answering my questions to ensuring I had the resources I needed, their dedication made a significant impact on my journey. Thanks to their encouragement and expert guidance, I was able to stay focused, overcome challenges, and successfully progress in my studies. I am truly grateful for their support and commitment to helping me achieve my goals.
What message would you like to share with the Scholarship program funders?
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given me to pursue my dream of becoming an Early Childhood Teacher. Your support has played a vital role in my journey, allowing me to focus on my studies and grow both academically and personally. Without your help, I would not have been able to navigate the challenges and achieve this milestone. Your belief in students like me truly makes a difference, and I will always carry this gratitude with me as I move forward in my career. Thank you for making dreams possible!
Learn more about the Early Childhood Scholarship program.
Learn more about BUSY At Work’s management of scholarship programs.
