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Felicity’s second chance at learning
By all accounts, the odds were stacked against Felicity Crowe – she’d rarely been to school and was placed in care at 10-years-old when her mother could no longer take care of her.
But the proud Gunnedarr woman from the Kamilaroi tribe is a fighter, a dreamer, a girl who decided that her story was hers to write.
“I hadn’t been to school in my younger years and now at 18, I’ve graduated with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care from TAFE Queensland,” said Felicity.
Felicity not only graduated, but she also was the recipient of the Education Student of the Year Award as well as the major Excellence Award.
“I was so excited, my whole face lit up when I walked onto the stage and I was just so happy. I couldn’t believe all my hard work had paid off,” she said.
“All of those hours of studying, all that time on placement, and securing a full-time job, everything came together in that moment.”
Studying at the Robina campus on the Gold Coast, Felicity found not just an education but supportive teachers and a community that encouraged her growth.
However, it was her aunt and uncle who first gave her support and unconditional love when they took her in.
"They always told me not to let my past define my future," she said.
"They saw something in me before I saw it in myself.”
Her aunt first noticed Felicity’s natural gift for nurturing others, especially her younger siblings. Seeing how she instinctively knew how to care and teach, she planted the seed of turning that gift into a career in childcare.
Felicity listened. Together with her Aunt she walked into a childcare centre near their home, unsure but hopeful. They told her about TAFE Queensland and the steps she needed to take to get into the industry, and she took a leap of faith.
For Felicity, education isn't just a pathway, it’s a second chance and now she is not just learning, she is thriving.
Felicity embraces her Indigenous heritage and sees education to uplift future generations.
"I love learning new things about my culture, there’s always something to learn," she said.
She also hopes to weave her cultural knowledge into her work in early childhood education.
"I want to teach children about Indigenous culture, through storytelling, music, and nature. It’s important that all kids, no matter their background, grow up understanding First Nations culture," she said.
She dreams of taking her Diploma further, one day pursuing a Bachelor degree to become a primary school teacher.
To Indigenous students thinking about studying at TAFE Queensland, Felicity offers this advice.
"No matter how old or young you are, you can always do something with your life. You are worth so much, and anything is possible,” she said.