Education paved the way to dream position
Sacha Cherrington has landed a highly sought after role at the Ministry of Education, being appointed as an Education Adviser in the Te Tai Tokerau region where she is working to assist and empower communities to engage in early childhood education services.
The former New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) student is one of the first graduates of the Master of Early Childhood Education degree, making a positive difference by discussing early childhood needs with whanau (family), puna kōhungahunga (Māori language groups), playgroups and projects across Te Tai Tokerau and conveying those needs back to the services and the Ministry.
It was through education and making sensible career decisions that Sacha credits where she is today. She has newfound confidence within her role since completing her master’s degree.
“It has enabled me to feel confident and competent in my role. I feel comfortable to challenge the status quo with research and relevant literature while being able to give advice and assistance to those who need it from an educational context.”
Studying online was an uplifting experience for the graduate as she felt supported and challenged by her lecturers, gaining insight and knowledge that she may have otherwise overlooked.
“I enjoyed every part of my learning journey, even when the pressure was on. The technical support alone was invaluable and the caring and understanding team of college administration was supportive and timely when needed.”
Sacha has always had an affinity towards education, especially for Māori tamariki (children), and this desire to enter the early childhood education sector was strengthened when she had her own children.
“As my tamariki entered Te Kōhunga Reo, I saw how continued development and learning in these early years affected their growth towards further education in a wonderful way. I was often left in awe and I knew I had to have a more definitive role in these wonderful moments in time.”
This is not the end of Sacha’s NZTC journey as she is applying for the Master of Education (Early Childhood Education) qualification, which will take her one step closer to eventually completing a doctorate, her ultimate goal.
She gives this sage advice to anyone thinking about following in her footsteps and furthering their education.
“I would tell anyone wanting to further themselves in study to think about your objective first. Then discuss it with whanau as they are the ones who will have to tiaki (look after), manaaki (support) and give you aroha (love) when needed. Each journey is specific to those who take it, if you feel there is something out there that you have to share – grab it, run with it and look back with a learned lens.”