Help me teach down under!

Sigourney English Start Date: Apr 7, 2021 - End Date: Apr 6, 2022
  • Australia

My Travel Story

by: Sigourney English Start Date: Apr 7, 2021 - End Date: Apr 6, 2022
"What are you doing after school?" asked one of my year 11 teachers. "I've been told hairdressing would be a good fit sir" I replied. What he said next would change the course of my life. "You should do your A-levels and go to university, you would thrive at university".

I grew up in northern England in the '90s as an undiagnosed dyslexic child from a very low social-economic background. School was a struggle and "We don't think you'll end up becoming anything" was the consensus of my teachers and some of my family members. After school, I completed one year of hairdressing at college but always remembered my teachers' words. So I went on to complete my A-Levels and then to university.

My professor at university suggested that I should get tested for dyslexia because he noticed I was struggling with the written assignments (which of course have to be very high quality). I received my diagnosis and for the first time in my life, finally got the support I needed for academic success. I proudly finished my degree in art and design with a 2:1.

After university, I worked as a teaching assistant/technician in the art and design department in secondary schools. I loved it and I knew that I was made for a career in teaching. But to become a great teacher I knew I needed some life skills and experience. I decided to do some long term international travel in New Zealand, Australia and Germany.

These trips have been invaluable in helping me develop as a person and my understanding of the world. Budget travel (working on farms, living in a car and doing free stuff) involves a high level of organisation, planning, time management, problem-solving, assertiveness and resilience; which are important transferable skills for the challenging profession as a teacher. I spent time with people from many different countries and cultures and believe these relationships have had a profound impact on my interpersonal skills. Particularly my ability to empathise and relate well to people from different backgrounds. I know these life experiences will be the foundation of becoming an amazing teacher, a great role model and my ability to make a real difference.

I fell in love with Australia and everything about it. It feels like home to me and it would be a dream come true if I were able to complete my teacher training there and begin my career in the country I want to live in.

There would be nothing more fulfilling than helping students like myself (a person who struggled through school) to reach their full potential and more. While I can't change the life of every student in the world, I can make a difference to those I teach. I want every student I come across to feel valued and give them the confidence to achieve great things as our next generation. My goal is to become an inspiring teacher, just like the one who inspired me.

I have secured a place at university and I am working all hours of the day to save up and make this goal happen. I know that covid has affected everyone financially, but if you can help in any way I would be so very grateful. The course is due to start in March 2022 and I will update this fundraiser regularly showing my progress as a trainee teacher, receipts of payments and hopefully be able to post a proud graduation photo at the end.
  • Australia