Teddy’s city move for her dream career

Moving from a regional area to the city can be full of challenges. It takes a lot of organisation and courage to move away from family and friends. Yet for many students living with disadvantage, moving closer to a city centre can be necessary to be closer to schools and careers. 

For Teddy, it was tough to move away from her family to Sydney for university. It was the biggest thing she’d ever done. As Teddy headed into the unknown, she was positive about chasing her goals. Set on being a leader in her family and community, Teddy took the steps towards being an English teacher and a role model for her younger siblings.

Inspired by her own teachers, Teddy wanted to help her community with the same enthusiasm. “I had amazing teachers throughout my school life, teachers who I knew were passionate about helping me,” Teddy reflects.

Teddy has always been a bright and dedicated student. She was awarded early entry to university when she was in Year 11. This was both a relief and an extra challenge as Teddy had to study harder subjects remotely.

The high cost of accessing data and the internet increased the barriers to her university online course. But the Digital Learning Essentials program has helped eliminate this worry for Teddy. Thanks to supporters like you, Teddy was able to overcome this hurdle. She received the digital tools she needed, and the fair go at school she deserved.

“It is very important to be able to get online,” Teddy points out. “The data package helped me finish assignments and do the course work. All my university course work is online, books I require for uni are all online, and for everyday life – talking to friends, keeping in contact with family while living away. The internet is so important to everyday life for many people.”

Today, Teddy’s excited to be in her fourth year of university and going to lectures (in person!). With supporters like you in Teddy’s corner, she’s inspired to take the steps towards her own goals of giving back. 

“My dream is to teach in rural and remote communities. I want to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, to give kids the resources they require to achieve their own dreams, like my own family and The Smith Family did for me.”

Teddy’s become the strong role model within her family she wants to be. After doing an amazing job of navigating new paths, finishing school and going to university, she can pass on her advice.