From inspired to inspiring: Rose’s formula for success

It was the positive influence of her secondary school teachers that motivated Rose Thwin to pursue a career in teaching. Now she’s finding inspiration at VU in overseas study experiences, the Block Model and her passion for educating future generations.

"My teachers at school were so passionate about their jobs; it really confirmed my desire to become an educator – that and my love of interacting with people.

After my first year of the Bachelor of Education (P-12) at VU I’ve already had the opportunity to do a school placement, and participate in one of the greatest experiences of my life – an overseas study tour. I joined the three-week Colombo Plan-funded tour to Malaysia, teaching in a rural primary school. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

The main benefit of VU’s Block Model is that it enables me to focus on one subject at a time, so I feel I’m accomplishing a lot in a short amount of time and being constantly rewarded.

I can also fit my studies around my schedule so I can spend time with family and friends, continue to earn an income – working in the student service centre at uni and my second job in retail.

The teachers are so supportive and enthusiastic – they go through everything in detail so nobody gets left behind. Teachers all share their own experience in the sector and their professional journeys.

My advice for newbies? Be resourceful: ask questions, and make the most of the three hours you have in class. And use VU Collaborate so you stay on top of the course content and catch up if you’ve missed anything.

My parents are from Burma, they’re both university graduates so the importance of education was instilled in me from a young age.

As my grandmother was an English teacher, she’s so happy I’m carrying on the tradition. Teaching seems to have skipped a generation so she’s excited to see the torch is carried on to future generations."