Rohan Smith gained insight into the demands and rewards of teaching in public education when, as School Captain at Chatswood High School, he came in close contact with the staff `behind the scenes’ working on leadership programs.
Rohan was struck by the hard work and commitment of the teachers and the inherent rewards in setting and achieving goals.
`I was inspired by my teachers who did such a good job, not just in the classroom, but through extra-curricular activities as well. They really inspired me to see teaching as a career that can impact people.’
Rohan had previously engaged with a teach.NSW seminar, and was considering his options when he saw a Facebook message about the new teach.Rural scholarships.
For Rohan, the exciting prospect of teaching in rural or remote NSW, along with financial assistance and the guarantee of a permanent job on completion of his studies offered by the scholarship, was a winning combination. He could focus on his studies without having to worry about a job at the end, and he could fulfil his dream of making a difference in a new career.
No stranger to hard work himself – he achieved an impressive 95.0 ATAR in his HSC – and not one to shy away from a challenge, Rohan saw teaching in rural or remote NSW as a perfect option for someone looking for a career with great potential to make an impact on others.
Rohan was successful in his scholarship application and has accepted a place at the University of Sydney to study combined Education and Arts degrees, majoring in Modern History and with a minor in English.
Rohan had a number of study and career options available to him but is very clear about his choices. `Don’t make decisions based on peer pressure,’ he advises. `Take up a career where you can make an impact’.
For further information contact the Scholarship Team on telephone 1300 301 435 or by email at scholarships@det.nsw.edu.au.