Maddy Jeffery

Maddy’s Journey 

Leaving School

Since graduating high school in 2014 my life has been nothing short of hectic. I moved to Melbourne and started attending Deakin University. Now as a student that received high grades and was incredibly involved with her school and community, it was expected of me to go to university. The problem was, I had NO IDEA what I even wanted to do. 

I picked a course that I was mildly interested in (communications and media) and started university. Many people around me showed great interest in their courses whereas I didn’t.

In the first few months of university I met my future husband, a lovely Canadian boy. After he left I realised the only reason I enjoyed uni was because of him. I ended up moving back home towards the end of the year and spoke with my parents and decided I was taking a pause on uni to explore and really make sure this course was what I wanted to do.

I decided to spend my time away from uni living overseas with my boyfriend. So I moved to Canada temporarily.

Moving to Canada

After a few months working as a waitress I was able to land a part time job at a childcare center helping with an after school program. I thoroughly enjoyed working with children and as time went on my hours and shifts were extended until I was working full time. I was eventually offered a full time position as a special needs assistant as I had shown a talent in working with children with varying needs.

By 2017, I decided to start studying my early years education and care diploma and drop out of my university course back in Australia. I love early years education and wanted to be fully qualified to run programs.

My Path with Early Years Education

By 2018 I was back in Australia and finished my Early Years diploma and had started working at the local childcare center. In 7 months I went from a student getting placement hours done, to a supervisor to the manager. I loved running the center and helping build up its credibility to a point where we were full every day. I am so proud of that center and everything we were able to achieve.

Where am I now and what’s next?

I am back in Canada waiting for my next work visa to come through and my application to become a permanent resident to be accepted. 

I have been looking into degrees regarding social and youth work lately and think I will study this in the coming years. I have found that while I love teaching and guiding children, the thing I am excellent at is building trusting relationships with at risk families.

What I wish I knew before I left high school

The thing I wished I knew in high school was it really is okay to take a year or two or five to really figure out what you want and who you want to be. I know so many people who rushed into university but didn’t leave like I did when they realized they hated their course. These people now have debt to pay back for a degree they will never use.

It’s okay to not know what you want to do. I highly encourage taking the time to explore, work different jobs and meet new people. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone to really grow.