What excited you most about coming to uni?
Meeting new people and the opportunity to start something new!
Why did you want to come to uni in the first place?
My parents often spoke of their time at Uni and how much they enjoyed it. They described it as a completely different lifestyle which allows you to broaden your horizons and expand your mind. I really wanted to have these experiences for myself.
When did you know that you wanted to come to UOW?
When I was in about year 10 I decided I really wanted to go to UOW. I knew that Wollongong had a great reputation for their Primary teaching degree and I felt that it would be a wonderful campus to spend my time studying.
What do you like best at UOW? Why?
I like the feeling you get when you step on to the campus. It feels as though you are stepping into a tight-knit community. It is very difficult to walk from one end of the campus to the other without bumping into someone you know. Everyone is very friendly and when you pass people they often smile at you or give you a casual hello.
If you had to give somebody one reason—and one only—to study at UOW, what would it be?
If you decide you want to study Primary Education you will be straight out into schools in your first semester. You then undertake a practicum every year while you are at Uni. This is an amazing opportunity which is very unique to UOW. What you learn during your time in schools cannot be taught in a lecture. The knowledge passed on to you from your prac. teachers is invaluable. It allows you to make strong connections between the work you are studying on campus and how this applies in the classroom. But most of all it is a lot of fun and really puts into perspective why you are studying to be a teacher.
What’s your favourite class? Why?
EDKH102 – Human Society and Its Environment. So far this has been my favourite subject. It is a subject which has opened my eyes to how children deal with and respond to major issues in society. It completely changed my view of how children are not only able to cope with current events and world affairs but also how interested they are in having a voice on issues and taking actions. The lectures were very interesting to participate in and the assignments were so different to what I’d done in the past. For one of my assignments we had to do a multi-media critical response on an issue affecting children which we had researched. I made a movie and it was so much fun to do. It didn’t even feel like I was doing uni work!
Favourite thing about being at Uni?
Definitely the people. Not just your fellow course mates but also the lecturers and tutors. They are really friendly, easy to get a long with and very helpful.
Do you think studying at UOW is preparing you for the future? If so, how?
Yes I do. The Primary Education course is at the forefront of teacher training. With a minimum requirement of working 80 days in schools over the four years of study, I believe I will be well equipped to go out into schools when I graduate. Technology is also a main focus of the degree. With technology changing the way we teach our students, UOW is ensuring that all graduates have a strong understanding of educational technology and that they feel confident implementing that technology in schools.
What have you learned about yourself while studying at UOW?
I have learnt that the world is my oyster. I feel increasingly confident every day that I will be able to achieve the goals I have set for myself in life.
What activities are you involved in on-campus?
Participating in the fitness groups at the university recreation and aquatic centre (URAC) is a great way to spend your time between classes or at the end of the day. It helps to release the stress of studies and is a fun way to keep fit!
