What My Students Have Taught Me
After spending many years in the hospitality industry, I’ve transitioned to the VET sector in high schools, and when asked if I enjoy my job, I wholeheartedly respond, "I love working with the students." I always knew that sitting at a desk for days on end wouldn’t suit me; I thrive on the freedom to move around and interact with people. In my previous roles, I engaged with customers, chefs, delivery drivers, and colleagues regularly. There was never a dull moment!
I won’t sugarcoat it; initially, I had my reservations about entering the school environment, and at times, those feelings still linger. I remember attending a school function where one student wanted to know who I was—I had returned their work multiple times. I often joke that if they had gotten it right the first time, I wouldn’t have had to! It always leads to a laugh, reinforcing the idea that I’m there to support them, not hinder their progress.
So, what have I learned from my students? For starters, the ‘gritty’ (for those unaware, it's a TikTok dance/action)! More importantly, I’ve gained insights into patience, empathy, understanding, adaptability, and the significance of embracing diversity. Every student learns differently; I know from experience that when someone speaks to me, it can go in one ear and out the other—I need to see and experience things for them to resonate. I’ve learned to view situations through my students' perspectives; what seems familiar to me can be entirely foreign to them. For instance, in role-play meetings, I’ve attended various types, knowing the process and expectations well. However, for a student who has never attended a meeting, the concept can be overwhelming. It’s essential to break down the learning process to its basics and proceed at a manageable pace.
What truly humbles and inspires me in my role is witnessing the challenges many students face outside the classroom. They are often juggling personal difficulties that place their education on the back burner. Empathy and understanding become crucial as I strive to support their learning journeys. I hope that the skills I impart will prepare them for the workforce and provide them with opportunities to advance in life. At a time when they should be enjoying their youth, they carry heavy burdens on their shoulders.
My students have also taught me the importance of adaptability. I've observed them modify processes to suit their learning styles or neurodiversity. One student, for example, showed me how to create a timeline for an event the school was organising. I was accustomed to conducting staff briefings and distributing event orders, but this student designed a color-coded chart that outlined tasks in three phases: preservice, service, and post-service. This innovative approach helped her visualise expectations and plan her contributions, and I’ve since implemented this method in other schools.
While I’ve encountered diverse individuals throughout my career, my time with students from various cultures has deepened my understanding of diversity. I see firsthand the struggles faced by those for whom English is not their first language. Their resilience inspires me, and I often reflect on how I would navigate similar challenges. I witness their strengths in practical subjects where their work ethic shines. Recently, I was fortunate to share a dish with a student who prepared an old family recipe for Dutch dumplings. It was a cherished tradition for her, and I felt genuinely honored to partake in that experience.
Every day, I remind myself how fortunate I am to walk through the school gates, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. I cherish the relationships I build with my students and the personal growth that comes from working alongside them. As each school year concludes, I inevitably feel a twinge of sadness as the Year 12s embark on their next adventures. Many linger in my thoughts, and I sincerely hope they find success and happiness in their journeys ahead.