Graduating from Mount Carmel College in 2020 marked 6 years of being a part of the supportive, kind, Mount Carmel family. During my time as a student I remember hearing from many of my teachers that they were previously students here or that they worked alongside past students. After 2 years away from the College I returned at the start of 2023, this time as a relief teachers assistant (TA). Returning to the school myself, I see how true my teachers’ statements were. I currently work alongside 3 staff members I went through the College with; one from my year, one from the year above me, and one from the year below.

I remember finding my first few days back so strange! I knew the campus, recognised many of the students and staff, but my role and purpose on campus was so different. Instead of being a student in a classroom I was responsible for supporting the learning of the students I was working with. This was a really exciting opportunity for me as at the same time

I was starting my journey to becoming a teacher, studying at the University of Tasmania. After such positive schooling years at Mount Carmel, I decided I wanted to spend my life creating a similar experience for future generations of young people. I think at this stage my biggest adjustment was to call the teachers by their first names! This was much easier with staff members I didn’t have as my own teachers in high school.

After 2 years of studying and working as a relief TA, snapping up any opportunities to work at the College I got my first part time contract. I was so excited to be officially working part time at Mount Carmel, the school that had already been my second home for so many years.

Returning to the College, to familiar classrooms and teachers, it can sometimes be hard not to feel like you are a student again. Especially when you haven’t spent too much time away! In fact I am frequently reminded by the office staff that I am a staff member and can walk through the staff only door at the front office instead of talking to them through the little window as I did for so many years as a student. I am starting to become more familiar with calling teachers by their first names and am so happy I am once again part of the Mount Carmel College family.