Nga Kim: teaching the next generation

Nga Kim was awarded a scholarship to study a Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Primary) at Western Sydney University, then went on to complete a Master of Teaching at the same university. She has done multiple teaching placements and is set to graduate this year. In her own words, she tells us about what drew her to teaching and what kind of educator she would like to be.

“Teaching has always been something that has been on my mind, ever since I watched the movie Matilda. I have a passion for teaching, and a really nurturing side.

The first placement I did was really difficult. It was a lot of adjustment, a learning journey. The kids were lovely but they had a lot of behavioural issues. I understood that because I used to be one of them, I saw myself through them.”

Developing a teaching style

“In my placement now it’s been surprisingly really good. I was initially scared to have year 5 because I’m not a dominant person, and thought they might take advantage of me, but I’ve been firm, I’ve been doing really well. When it comes to teaching styles I’m kind of a mix between Miss Honey and Miss Trunchbull (from Matilda) – because you have to be firm!

Kids like it better when they have routine and structure, and someone that’s an authority figure. I realised the kinder I am, the worse they are. But when I give them boundaries and consequences suddenly they’re literally chasing me down at lunch wanting to talk to me.

My day goes from 8.30am to 3 or 4pm, but I’m also doing lesson planning for a few hours every day. It has been a bit exhausting but because I’ve been enjoying it so much I love it.”

“Teaching is so many different careers in one. I’m a teacher, I’m a friend, I’m a social worker, I’m a psychologist, I’m everything. I tie their shoelaces – even though they’re in year 5 – and I do their hair. By the end of the day I always have to take a 30 minute nap because I’ve been so flat out.

I have high hopes that I’ll get a role at this school. I really love this school. The last few weeks I’ve been so happy. Even though I’m tired I’m so fulfilled, I’m really excited to jump into full time teaching.”

Winning a scholarship

“When I found out I won the scholarship I was actually really shocked, I was experiencing imposter syndrome! I wasn’t even meant to apply for the scholarship, but there was a really special person at my high school who saw something in me, and emailed me at night constantly: ‘You have to apply, you have to apply’. And I thought ‘I won’t get it’.”

“When I told my grandma it was the most special moment. She’s always been really proud of me and wanted me to do better. I’ve been living with her since I was in year 7. Just seeing her joy and her look of relief – when my siblings and I started living with her she was a pensioner, obviously taking care of three children so suddenly is financially draining – seeing her happy made me happy.

The scholarship has drastically changed the trajectory of my life. Before receiving it I was in a really dark place, I had gone through a lot of trauma and adversities in my life. I wasn’t feeling hopeful. The scholarship was my light at the end of the tunnel. It was a really amazing thing that happened to me, I’m so grateful for the scholarship and all the donors that made it happen.”

About the Tertiary Scholarship Program

The Sisters of Charity Foundation awards tertiary scholarships to young people from out-of-home care backgrounds (foster care, kinship care, residential care etc).

Financial support helps recipients afford university or TAFE study expenses (course fees; textbooks; technology; and attending workshops, networking events and internships) as well as the cost of living on their own with no parental support. The scholarship lets them focus on their studies, rather than having to hold down multiple jobs or work full-time hours.