Georgia Collins
I came from an Agricultural up-bringing, coming from a 44,000 acre property to boarding school. When I finished high school, I had no clear direction for my future. At school I completed a Certificate III in Agriculture and a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, which gave me a broad skill set but no definitive path. Thanks to the Principal Recommendation Scheme, I was accepted early into a Bachelor of Agriculture at Central Queensland University. However, I decided to defer this opportunity and take a gap year in 2023 to explore different careers and gain some practical experience.
I worked in the mines, engaged in contract mustering, and spent time at saleyards and feedlots. These experiences were invaluable, providing me with hands-on knowledge and a deeper understanding of the agricultural industry, however I still felt uncertain about my career path. That’s when a significant opportunity came my way: I was offered a job teaching the Certificate III in Agriculture at my alma mater, Rockhampton Grammar School. Within two weeks of starting this role, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching and mentoring students. This led me to change my academic focus from agriculture to education. I enrolled in a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English and Agricultural Science. Now, I’m balancing a full-time teaching role while studying full-time.
This journey taught me several important lessons. Firstly, it’s okay not to have everything figured out immediately after graduation. Taking a gap year allowed me to explore various career options and gain a wealth of experience that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Secondly, if you’re unsure about your career path, don’t be afraid to try different things. Each experience contributes to your personal and professional growth. Thirdly, passion can guide you, but it’s okay if the specific career within that passion isn’t clear right away. I always knew I wanted to work in agriculture, but it took some time and exploration to discover that my true calling was teaching agriculture. Finally, be open to change. Life’s path is rarely straight, and being adaptable can lead you to opportunities you never considered.
