Vikki Walker received a scholarship to undertake early childhood studies. We sat down with her to ask her about her experience.
Can you tell us a little about your background before receiving the scholarship?
I finished school in 1985 with a year 8 pass, as an adult I completed certificate 3 in children’s services, about 5 years after that I completed my diploma. I never thought I was clever enough to complete a bachelor’s degree, it was just a pipe dream.
How did receiving this scholarship change your life and your opportunities regarding studying to become an ECT (ECSIP) / Educator (CUSP)?
Receiving the scholarship helped so that I could financially be able to enter university, and achieve my childhood dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher.
What challenges did you face before or during your role as an ECT(ECSIP) / Educator (CUSP), and how did you overcome them?
I only completed year 8 at school, and with all the trauma I faced growing up, I never believed that I would get anywhere in life, the scholarship made me feel that someone had faith in me for the first time.
What skills or experiences did you gain as a Scholarship recipient?
I discovered that I am good at what I do, and I can and do make a difference in the lives of young children, I now have the qualification and skills required to continue supporting children’s growth, development and learning.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community projects during your Scholarship?
Working full time and studying full time, I didn’t have many opportunities, but I did connect with other like-minded students who were a great support through my learning journey and still are.
How has the Scholarship influenced your future career plans?
I am currently teacher a 3-year-old kindergarten class and next year I am staying with these children and becoming their 4-year-old kindergarten teacher. I am so excited to support them all and to watch the children grow and learn new skills.
Do you have a favourite memory from your study and/or employment journey as a recipient of the program?
One of my favourite things was the zoom catch up sessions without mentor teacher and the other 3 ladies, we shared our highs, our lows and were all therefor each other, and at graduation we got to meet for the first time, we all were all from one end of Victoria to another 100s of Ks apart but it was like hugging a long lost friend. I also connected withanother student who came to my workplace for placement, he was an amazing support and now works with me, it has benefited both of us and we still talk through and share ideas.
Is there a person (mentor, teacher, friend) who played a significant role in your success?
Carole Lanting was our mentor from Deakin, and I believe she got all 4 of us to the finish line, she encouraged and supported us and always had a knack of knowing when we needed a chat.
How did you find the communication and support provided by BUSY At Work?
I think the support was just right, I never felt pressured, but knew that if I needed anything, they were there to help.
What message would you like to share with the Scholarship program funders?
Thank you for the opportunity to achieve my dreams, and I hope I make you proud with my dedication, professionalism, passion and commitment to being the best teacher I can be, a teacher that the children look up and learn from.
Find out more about BUSY At Work’s management of the Early Childhood Scholarship Program