Markala Johnston wanted a degree but didn’t want to move to a big city. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
When Markala Johnston completed her primary teaching degree, she brought some to tears when describing her journey at a graduation ceremony at Griffith remote learning facility, the Country Universities Centre (CUC).
“I was once told in school that I would never make it to university because of my limited writing skills,” the 28-year-old said.
“Back then, I missed a lot of school due to various illnesses and I had the label of being ‘dumb’.
“I felt like I always had a backpack full of bricks. But the thing about bricks is they can weigh you down or they can help you build something, and tonight they’ve helped me build a graduation.”
Region caught up with her to find out more about her journey, ambitions and advice for others.
Why did you decide to do a teaching degree?
After growing up in a small town outside Foster, I lived a season in White Cliffs in outback NSW, on a cattle station. I was teaching four little kids who lived in their station, as a governess. The kids were four hours from the closest school and learnt online, so the family would employ someone to teach them. I did the job even though I wasn’t a qualified teacher; I’d just finished Year 12.
That’s when I realised teaching is what I want to do. I didn’t want to do anything else as I felt I was good at it.
Why didn’t you move to a city with a university?
I had previously moved to Newcastle to do a semester of secondary education, which I hated. I couldn’t stand living in a big city, having come from a country town. I didn’t even realise that paying for parking was a thing. I got so many parking fines.
How did you end up in Griffith?
I applied for a degree in primary teaching through Curtin University and was accepted straight away. That’s when my partner applied for a job in Griffith to pursue his farming career and we moved out here in 2019, where I studied remotely through the CUC.
Did you find the CUC useful?
What’s there not to like? I love the atmosphere, the professionalism; it’s not like a library. You come here, you turn on the screen, you’re away from your kitchen and laundry. It allows you to focus on your study; I practically lived here.
Have you been able to get practical teaching experience?
Yes, I worked at Hanwood Public School as a Stage 3 teacher for Years Five/Six.
Have you had any role models?
My dad, my mum and my mum’s mum. She played a huge part of shaping who I am today. I’m a confident outspoken person thanks to her.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I could see myself as a head teacher or a principal; I could even see myself as a tertiary educator at TAFE or perhaps as someone who goes back to studying to do secondary education.
What advice would you give to a recent Year 12 graduate who is still deciding what to do?
If you have a gut feeling, stick to it. Don’t let anyone persuade you to do something you don’t really want to do.
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