Guiding children on interactive wildlife experiences as a resort ranger on Fraser Island ignited a passion for teaching in USC graduate Storm Galloway of Bundaberg.

Ms Galloway, who graduated recently from USC with a Bachelor of Primary Education, has since left the world’s largest sand island for a Year 1 classroom at Emerald’s St Patricks Primary School in Central Queensland.

“Throughout my life I have found myself in jobs where I was a teacher, role model and carer for children, starting off as a lifeguard and later a swim teacher,” she said.

“This was how I ended up working at Kingfisher Bay Resort after leaving school, running its junior eco-rangers’ program that educates children about the Island’s vegetation, wildlife and landscapes.”

The 24-year-old, originally from Zimbabwe, completed most of her schooling at Bundaberg’s St Luke’s Anglican School where she was hockey and cross-country captain.

A talented artist, she considered pursuing a career in fine art until her experience on Fraser Island. “This is where I truly discovered my love of teaching and was inspired to enrol in the Primary Education degree at USC’s Sunshine Coast campus.”

Ms Galloway said the four-year degree provided several opportunities to engage in real world teaching and equipped her with skills and confidence to transition smoothly to a classroom when she finished her studies last semester.

“I enjoy the fact that my job allows me to teach students how to become confident twenty-first century learners and to show them they are supported and appreciated,” she said.

Ms Galloway said there were many highlights to her time at USC.

“I gained experience and knowledge in areas such as behaviour management and differentiation strategies to allow students of all abilities to access education and understanding,” she said.

“I met lifelong friends and built strong and prosperous relationships with tutors who have helped get me where I am now. I will be eternally grateful for the people I have met through my experience at USC.”

Applications are open to study at USC in 2019.

— Clare McKay