School captain returns to classroom as teacher

Seeing the positive impact teachers can make in children’s lives has inspired former Riverside Christian College co-captain Stefanie Csonka to begin a career in education.

The 21-year-old from Maryborough graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Primary Education at a ceremony in Hervey Bay earlier this month.

“I want to be a teacher that guides children to a more successful, happier future,” said Ms Csonka, who began teaching Year 3 students at Hervey Bay’s Bayside Christian College at the start of this year.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing children happier, become more compassionate and guiding them to reach their goals,” she said.

Ms Csonka described her time at USC’s Fraser Coast campus as full of opportunities.

“I chose to study at USC Fraser Coast because it was so convenient to Maryborough and I did not have to leave home to study,” she said.

“I had also heard there were many superb Primary Education lecturers teaching at the campus.”

Last week’s graduation ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of the largest cohort of students to graduate from USC’s Fraser Coast campus, with more than 40 students receiving degrees in Nursing Science, Commerce, Business and Primary Education.

Applications are open to study at USC, starting Semester 2.

— Clare McKay