Don’t Let Anything Stop You

Sheena Williams | Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

There seemed so many reasons not to become a student – being a sole mum, needing to work, paying off a mortgage. It was the opportunity to study while working that gave Sheena Williams the opening she needed to turn her passion for tamariki into knowledge, lifelong connections and a career in ECE.

I was a teacher aide in a primary school working with high needs children before I started my journey in early childhood education. As a sole parent raising a son and having just purchased my first home with my twin sister, being a full-time student without full-time employment was not financially possible.

Studying ECE with Te Rito Maioha meant I was able to work and study full time. It was a challenge juggling all the aspects of my life, but I’m glad I bit the bullet and didn’t put it off any longer.

At the age of 32, I took my first steps towards becoming a fully qualified ECE kaiako. It was a daunting experience to start with. I thought I would be one of the oldest in the room, but I was surprised that the ages of the other tauira ranged from college graduates to people fifty plus.

“I’ve made life-long connections with other kaiako who shared this journey with me and who are equally as passionate about ECE as I am.”

When you go through something so sustained and intense together – balancing your learning, study, work, families, assignments, sharing laughter and tears - it’s a bond you will never lose.

“Studying with Te Rito Maioha opened my eyes – like my koro always instilled in us: education is power.”

As a parent of an only child, I used to think ECE was just a chance for my son to interact with other tamariki. At the time, I was not even aware there was an ECE curriculum. Now as a qualified ECE kaiako, with the knowledge I have gained, I realise that I missed the crucial first years of my son’s education.

Working with tamariki and their whānau has always been a strength for me, but with ECE I found my passion. Being able to make genuine connections every day with tamariki and their whānau is such a fundamental aspect of my teaching practice.

Te Whāriki (New Zealand’s ECE curriculum) is a bicultural document, and bicultural content is woven through all of the papers in the Bachelor of Teaching ECE. I began my journey with a knowledge of bicultural practices, and I was proud to share Te Ao Māori, my culture, to support other kaiako to speak Te Reo Māori, to incorporate this into their own teaching practices, and to reflect a greater understanding in my own practices.

I graduated at the end of 2020 and since then I’ve gained opportunities to teach, lead and further my career within the ECE sector. As an ECE kaiako, you can bring all aspects of your life, knowledge, talents and experiences to your teaching career.

Don’t let anything stop you, just do it!