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Born and raised in Cebu in the Philippines, Novela’s journey to teaching did not follow a straight line. Her first degree was in management accounting, a practical choice shaped by circumstance rather than passion. Teaching was not part of her original plan, but the seeds were planted during one of the most difficult periods for education worldwide.  

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Philippines, schools were unprepared for remote learning, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. During visits to her mother’s hometown, Novela witnessed families struggling to support their children’s education. 

“Parents were crying and asking for help,” she said. “They wanted to support their children, but many of them did not have access to quality education themselves.” 

_{Novela pictured with her family at the ceremony.}

Aware of her own privilege and driven by a strong sense of responsibility, Novela began tutoring children on weekends. What started as an act of service quickly became something more meaningful. 

“That experience was life changing,” she said. “It made me realise how powerful education can be, and how much it can change lives.” 

Australia had long been part of Novela’s dreams. As a child, she listened to stories about her grandmother’s life here and imagined one day following the same path. After graduating from her bachelor’s degree, her grandmother surprised her with an invitation to visit Australia as a gift. 

“I had no savings and no real plan,” Novela said. “But I took the chance. It was the greatest graduation gift I could have received.” 

She arrived as a tourist in May 2023 and quickly fell in love with the country. What surprised her most, however, was not the big cities, but regional life on the South Coast of New South Wales. 

“People often think Australia is just Sydney,” she said. “But when I came to the Eurobodalla, it was completely different. It’s a small community. People know you. You feel supported.” 

With guidance from campus staff, Novela explored her study options and was introduced to the Master of Teaching (Primary), a program designed for students without a teaching background. The decision marked a major turning point. 

“Teaching was not part of my experience at all,” she said. “I was starting from ground zero. No classroom experience, no knowledge of the Australian system, just courage and a dream.” 

The early stages of the degree were challenging. Studying full time while working, supporting family, and managing the financial realities of being an international student often felt overwhelming. Despite this, Novela found strength in the close-knit campus environment. 

“The staff knew me personally,” she said. “I never hesitated to reach out when things got hard.”

One of the most memorable moments of her degree came during her first professional experience placement. Walking into an Australian classroom for the first time, Novela felt exposed and unsure. 

“My students were taller than me,” she laughed. “I looked different, I sounded different, and I had a strong accent. I felt like an outsider.” 

Building trust was not easy, but she committed herself fully to the role. Although the placement lasted only two weeks, the impact was lasting. Nearly a year later, when Novela returned to the school, she was stunned by the reaction. 

“They recognised me straight away,” she said. “They stopped and screamed my name. That moment made me realise I had made a difference.” 

The timing could not have been more important. Like many students, Novela had begun to doubt herself, questioning whether she could continue juggling study, work, and life responsibilities. 

“That moment gave me clarity,” she said. “I knew I was meant to be there.” 

Another defining part of Novela’s journey was receiving the Destination Australia Scholarship, a highly competitive award that supports students studying in regional areas. For Novela, the scholarship was more than financial support. 

“It was a lifeline,” she said. “As an international student, you have limited work hours and high tuition fees. The scholarship allowed me to keep going without constantly worrying about survival.” 

She encourages other international students to consider regional study and to take up scholarships whenever possible. 

“Go for it,” she said. “Studying in a regional area gives you something special. The sense of community, the support, the connection. It’s a bonus.” 

As she prepares to graduate, Novela is already looking ahead. She has secured a full-time teaching position at the same local primary school where she completed her placement, an opportunity that reflects the trust and confidence she built during her studies. 

“They’ve seen me grow,” she said. “They know how I work, and that means everything.” 

In the classroom, Novela hopes to be a teacher who is respected rather than feared. 

“Respect builds trust,” she said. “When students trust you, they feel safe to be themselves. That’s when real learning happens.” 

Reflecting on her time at university, Novela says her greatest achievement is finishing the journey. 

“I’m the first in my family to earn a master’s degree overseas,” she said. “Graduating with distinction is something I never imagined for myself two years ago.” 

Her advice to other international students is simple but powerful. 

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Support is there. Reach out to your tutors, your mentors, your campus. You don’t have to do everything on your own.” 

Asked to sum up her journey from the Philippines to Australia in one sentence, she said “hard work will take us further than luck ever will.”