Megan Waters, presenter:
Welcome to Mansfield Secondary College, where we are on beautiful Taungurung Country at the base of the Alpine National Park.
And I'm so excited today because I get to meet Naima, who's moved all the way from Queensland to be here and has never looked back.
Naima, what inspired you to make the move here to Mansfield?
Naima, teacher:
I think just deep down I was really missing this sense of community. I was working in a university sector, which has thousands of students, and I was really missing that connection. And an opportunity came up to do an employment-based program to transition into teaching, and it just seemed like the perfect fit.
Megan:
You have the influence to be able to guide these future leaders, perhaps. What are some of your favorite things about teaching at this school in particular?
Naima:
The engagement that we have with our students is so enriching. Being able to build relationships with young people and see them grow into the people they are wanting to become, it's just a privilege to be part of that process.
One of the things that this school has is a really strong link with the community. It just helps to really build this sense of connection between us all.
Megan:
You've made a massive move. What's something that really stands out for you from making that transition?
Naima:
I just remember this particular point where you're driving along and you see the mountains start to poke through, and you just get this sense of like, oh my gosh, I get to live here. And it felt like I was just coming home. I felt that driving out here today is just like an aura about it. It just feels like a really nice breath of fresh air.
Megan:
And we're here at the base of Mount Buller. What's the snowsports program like here?
Naima:
We have an incredible opportunity where students can go up to Mount Buller to do skiing or snowboarding.
Megan:
How do you go on skis or a snowboard?
Naima:
As someone from Queensland, I'm very, very new to skiing, and it's a humbling experience.
Megan:
While we're in the heart of the town here, what are some of your favourite things to do in Mansfield?
Naima:
There's just so much here. You know, there's so many cafes. We've also got the proddy store. We've got the bakery, we've got the bookstore. There's so many different pubs, so much to do and see here.
Megan:
Well, you talk of the mountains, the hills. What are some ways that you really immerse yourself in that?
Naima:
I love hiking, I love climbing. Any opportunity to just get out in nature, I'm there. That I just cherish.
How can you not stop with a view like this?
Megan:
The view is amazing.
Naima:
It’s so amazing. It's like one of my favourite spots to bring people.
Megan:
Absolutely beautiful. Well, it sounds like if you like the mountains and you like community, a town like Mansfield is exactly where you want to be.
Naima:
It definitely is.
Megan:
To find out more about teaching opportunities in regional Victoria, search Teach the Future.
[End of transcript]
Updated