Millie Owen becomes a high school teacher in 2027. Photos: Supplied.
A Wagga woman who has never lived outside the regional city is preparing to make a 2000 km move to start her teaching career in Townsville.
Millie Owen, 22, graduated from Charles Sturt University this week with a Master of Teaching (Secondary) and will take up a permanent teaching position at the all-girls St Patrick’s College in 2027.
“I was fortunate enough to have a placement in Townsville during my degree, where I got to know the staff and students,” she said.
“They offered me a permanent job there, so I’ll be heading up in 2027.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking to leave my family and support networks for the first time, but I’m excited to finally launch my career.”
Millie is also well known in Wagga as a singer, having performed at weddings and events around the city.
She attended Mater Dei College before returning to her old school soon after completing Year 12.
“I worked as a teacher’s aide at my old school in the following years while I was doing university,” she said.
Millie is also an accomplished singer.
Millie initially set out to become a K-12 teacher, but during her studies decided her interests were better suited to secondary education.
She completed a Bachelor of Educational Studies before going on to complete her master’s degree, which she said was the right pathway for the career she wanted.
For now, she is not looking too far beyond her first classroom.
“My dream job is to just be in the classroom and teach English and drama and make a difference for the kids,” she said.
And after navigating her own path through university, her advice to Year 12 students is straightforward.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out all at once. There’s a lot of pressure on you, but there’s plenty of time and you don’t need to rush decisions,” she said.
“I also think you should say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.”
Millie also did her undergraduate degree in Wagga.
Millie was one of more than 400 students who graduated across five ceremonies in Wagga at Joyes Hall on Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September. They were joined by more than 1300 family and friends expected to be in attendance.
The most popular courses among graduates in Wagga are Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years), Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Educational Studies and Bachelor of Education (K-12).
Charles Sturt Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Brown said graduations were primarily a celebration of students’ success but also of the contribution made by the university, especially in regional Australia.
More than 80 per cent of Charles Sturt’s regional graduates go on to live and work in regional Australia, helping to fill critical skills shortages in health, education and other fields.
“Many of the graduates in these ceremonies will become the nurses, teachers, veterinarians, physiotherapists and other skilled professionals that regional Australia’s communities need,” Professor Brown said.
“Our graduate employment rates are the highest in Australia. Many of today’s graduates, who finished their courses last year, are already putting their skills and knowledge to use in local hospitals, classrooms and other professional settings.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of them on their achievement. We are proud of them and look forward to all they will accomplish in their careers.”
