Life beyond Radford
Tamzin Oliver
- Junior Science Curriculum Coordinator, Canberra Girls Grammar School, 2015-Present
- Science and Psychology Teacher, Canberra Girls Grammar School, 2015-Present
What does life look for you now?
Married with two incredibly naughty beagles! I spend my time travelling, planning to travel, reading and doing yoga.
Tell us what you are passionate about?
I am passionate about helping others to achieve their full potential. I went into education as a way of applying what I learnt in my psychology degree to the real world. I love how a good teacher can inspire passion, critical thinking and care for yourself and others. I hope one day to be able to make a genuine difference in someone's life.
When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?
My top 3 choices were vet, doctor and teacher
What is your favourite Radford moment?
Relay for Life. Especially the year that a giant Shrek toy was our team's baton
Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?
So many of my teachers (who I won't name in case I end up working with them!). It sounds cliche but being around people who demonstrated such passion for learning really inspired my own love of thinking and analysing information
How easy was it to decide what to do in life?
Not easy! Everyone I knew had an opinion on what I should do with my life. But once I had made my decision I knew it was the right choice because I became so excited when thinking about the future
Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?
Nope. My plan when I finished Year 12 was to complete my undergrad, study postgrad medicine, and then become a psychiatrist. Half way through my second year of uni I realised I was making a terrible mistake and haven't looked back since!
What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?
The ATAR is not the be all and end all of my life
What advice do you have for current students?
Don't be afraid to fail. It's the best way to improve yourself. Whether it's in your personal life, academics, cocurricular, it's okay to get something wrong. Friends and family are also what will make you happiest so don't forget to take time away from your studies