Life beyond Radford
Alexandra Morris
- Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, 2015
- A Mus A in performance, piano, from AMEB, 2011
- A Dip A in performance, piano, from ANZCA, 2011
- Bachelor Degree, The Australian National University, Medical Science
- Masters, University of Canberra, Secondary Teaching
- Graduate Diploma, University of Canberra, Secondary Teaching
What does life look for you now?
I am a secondary science, maths and religion teacher at another Anglican school. This year, I am teaching years 9, 10 and 11 science, maths and chemistry which I love. I also have a wellbeing role within my school which enables me to work with a wide range of students to help them to reach their potential while at school. I play the piano, love to spend time with my friends and like visiting my sister in Sydney during school holidays.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I am passionate about many things! I have faith, I love music, I love my family and friends and I love teaching and helping people to become the best version of themselves. I also have a pet bunny who is very cute and fun to hang out with.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I found that question to be a difficult one, and I felt like everyone around me knew what they wanted to do. I loved science - particularly biology, and maths at school, so I decided to work hard to receive a UAI (now ATAR) that would give me options when I left school, and then enrolled in a Bachelor of Medical Science at ANU. I wanted to do something that I enjoyed, even though I didn't know where it would take me. I eventually decided to enrol in a Masters of Teaching course and give it a go, and I found that I love it! Now when I look back, I always loved teaching my friends at school, and tutoring through uni. I always wanted to be a teacher, I just didn't recognise it! And that is okay! The different experiences I've had over the last 10 years have helped to shape my understanding of what I enjoy, and where I want to be. And that journey is different for everyone.
What is your favourite Radford moment?
I have lots! I really enjoyed working with my chicken in year 12 biology, going to Adelaide in year 11 for the National Music Festival, learning from so many great teachers, making new and lasting friends (as I moved to Radford in year 11), singing in the College and Chamber choirs, dancing a Bollywood dance in the Year 12 Revue and having lots of opportunities to lead in chapel as the Chapel Captain when I was in year 12.
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
It wasn't easy at all! As I said, I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I did a degree and saw what opportunities opened up for me. In my case, that was some piano teaching and tutoring jobs and a graduate position in a data driven job. All those things helped me to realise who I was, what I was good at, what I needed to continue to learn and what I really enjoyed. For me, I enjoy feeling challenged, constantly learning, helping to develop others and science. Teaching was the perfect fit!
What advice do you have for current students?
Work on who you want to be - long term. Life isn't about your ATAR, what you'll do after year 12 or what job you'll get. We want those things because we ultimately want to provide for our families, enjoy serving others in our jobs, learn in our degrees/work etc. Take the many opportunities that you have at Radford, and use them to shape a faithful, loving, independent young person who is full of integrity, honesty and passion.
