Febby Octaviani Joenan | Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Why do you want to be a teacher?

Well, I believe that becoming a teacher is not something that people just randomly choose. And I've been seeing lots of injustice and biases in life and education as well that we can change from a young age. I want to be a teacher who can make a change into that, no matter what your background.

What inspired you to study at the University of Melbourne?

Before I decided to study here I did tonnes of research into what universities in other countries had to offer. I decided the University of Melbourne is what is right for me. They offer me more than what I expected. For example, I'm looking for a broad range of teaching, and here they offer me the Indigenous perspective and current methods, as well as a culturally diverse approach, which I'm looking for.

What is the most valuable aspect of your program?

I would have to say the discussion that happens in class, where I can express my opinions, and challenge opinions, and that's a safe space to do it.

Also, the hands-on teaching experiences that prepare me to become a teacher.

Was there anything that surprised you about placements?

Actually, I was working as a preschool teacher before in Indonesia, so I thought I was well-prepared with all the possible outcomes. But when I went to my first placement, I was shocked. It was completely the opposite. All the children here were eating by themselves. They knew what to do before and after eating, and sometimes they taught me about their routine because I'm not quite familiar with it, so it's quite an experience, but it's a good one.

What do you like the best about teaching young children?

Oh, there are lots of good things. For one, I do enjoy cuddling with them. No matter if they're crying or if they're happy, you can just simply ask, "Do you want to cuddle?", and they will give you the biggest cuddle ever! I think, besides the education, that's what we all need right now as a teacher: a good cuddle.

What was your most memorable moment in teaching?

If I have to choose one of the most memorable moments in my placements, it was when I was working with zero to two-year-olds. One time, when I came back to my placement after a week's break, this one child came running from across the room just to hug me, giving me the biggest hug that he could give with his small arms!

What kind of support have you received in your studies at the Faculty of Education?

During my first year, first semester, I got some devastating news from my family, and I had to travel back to Indonesia like a week before my classes ended. At that time, I was depressed and anxious, and I was ready to drop out. But the University of Melbourne offered me student support services. That helped me with my studies, and then they even gave me extended time to finish my assignments, which was really good for me at that time because if not, I wouldn't be here to continue my studies this far.

What do you hope is the next step in your life and career?

So after I graduate from the University of Melbourne, I have two possible plans in mind. My first one is to continue my studies with a PhD focusing on creating equity in education. And my second option would be taking another masters focusing on Indigenous studies, then going back to Indonesia to create a better curriculum there and educate the educators.

Do you have any advice for future teacher candidates?

I know that working with children isn’t always going to be easy, but that's an opportunity for you to challenge yourself and grow. And speak up, speak your mind, be heard. And remember that your well-being is also important. You need to focus on yourself as well in order to be a great teacher for your students.