Who would've thought a workplace injury could redirect someone's journey onto a career path they never thought imaginable.
That's what happened to Sunshine Coast lad Jake Edwards. An enthusiastic foodie who was working as a cook in a kindergarten when an injury forced him to put down the skillet and knives and ask himself 'what do I do now'?
Fortunately, a conversation with a mentor inspired the 25-year-old to pack his passion, talents and ingenuity into a backpack and take up an opportunity as a teacher aide.
'I’d been developing cooking experiences at the kindergarten, which the kids really loved, and I loved doing it. So, when I spoke to a colleague, they suggested I consider teacher aiding and maybe even study for a degree. Kind of like an apprenticeship.
It was really worthwhile reaching out to my network and expressing what I loved, to figure out what I may be able to do. Hearing them say they could see me teaching and that they knew I could do it gave me a lot of confidence.'
Taking that sound advice, Jake secured a teacher aide role in Moranbah and enrolled in university, with the added benefit of a training and assessing certification allowing him to teach some hospitality at the same time.
'As much as I loved school myself, I'm more practical than academic; so being able to teach some hospitality and teacher aide, has given me such beneficial applied learning experience,' he said.
Jake's aspirations once completing his qualifications include travel and teaching internationally, in the meantime, the enthusiastic young gun is contributing plenty to the community in his current role.
'The police, fire, defence force and others set up an expo for people to explore their industry and I worked with the hospitality kids to cater for the entire event, they did an excellent job.'
He's also developing a paddock to plate extra-curricular cooking program, a climate crew and the staff social club.
Exclaiming, 'the kids came to me with the idea (to start a climate crew) and I said 'absolutely', now I’m starting a cooking club with another teacher, (teaching) cooking and living on a budget.'
This admirable fresh energy and enthusiasm for the students is what keeps Jake putting in the extra miles.
'Getting to know the kids and seeing them excel is the best' he said.
'Being able to relate to them, particularly the seniors, by creating rapport and mutual respect. It’s all good fun.
Although I've taken a lot on, I've got a great support crew at school and my friends and family that help me balance the load.'
Jake offers this advice for any other prospective hopefuls considering stepping into teaching: 'Life's too short not to give it a go. Work hard, if it's difficult, keep going, it's all worth it.'
Do you resonate with Jake's energy and know you can make a difference? Read more about
what kind of impact you can have through teaching.