Thuy Dao
After migrating to Australia from Vietnam with her young family, Thuy was determined to make a fresh start in her new home. After settling her children into school, Thuy decided it was time to put herself first and pursue her dream career in early childhood education.
To increase her employment prospects, Thuy knew she needed to increase her English skills, so she enrolled in the Certificate III in EAL (Access) at Chisholm.
While she worked on her English, Thuy decided to enrol in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education to pave her way to a career in Australia. Juggling family life, learning a new language and studying two courses may have been too much for some people, but Thuy persevered, and discovered how resilient and resourceful she had become.
Studying in a new country brought its own challenges, especially when Thuy felt her spoken English didn’t fully reflect her intelligence or creativity. Instead of giving up, she used these challenges to fuel her motivation. Through consistent practice and a willingness to try new strategies, she strengthened her pronunciation and clarity, transforming frustration into confidence.
With renewed self-belief, Thuy came out of her shell and flourished into a passionate and supportive classmate. Thuy’s classmates appreciated her kindness and creativity. She gave generously of her time, often supporting her peers with technology. Her calm and supportive manner helped foster a warm and nurturing classroom environment.
Determined to succeed in her new life, Thuy actively sought opportunities to improve her job prospects, such as learning how to write a resume, practising for interviews and setting goals for herself. Thuy also volunteered at several childcare centres, where her passion for supporting children shone. This ultimately helped Thuy secure employment.
Thuy’s accomplishments since moving to Australia are milestones she once believed were out of reach. “My proudest achievement is how far I have come in my learning and personal growth”, reflects Thuy.
Looking to the future, Thuy hopes to continue furthering her studies into a Diploma.
Highlighting the transformative power of education and her commitment to personal and professional growth, Thuy is a finalist in the 2026 Chisholm Education Awards - Vocational Student of the Year.