When Shaista Nasreen moved to Australia from Pakistan in 2019, her life took a significant turn — both personally and professionally. Transitioning to life in a new country presented unexpected challenges that would reshape her child care career path and future aspirations.
Embracing New Beginnings with Macquarie Community College
“Moving to Australia was entirely different from anything I had experienced,” Shaista recalls. “I travelled with my husband Umar across different states, which helped me learn about Australian culture and values. However, I felt a language barrier despite my academic background. Speaking Punjabi my whole life made me hesitant to communicate in English.”
Shaista adds with heartfelt gratitude to her husband:
“Umar! Thanks for your trust, support, and encouragement. Without you, this would not have been possible.”
Determined to overcome her language barrier, Shaista sought an opportunity to engage more actively in her new community. After researching various educational institutes, she enrolled into CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Macquarie Community College.
Finding Confidence in the Child Care Community
“I was nervous about interacting with new people and managing my studies,” Shaista admits. “But the support I received from my trainers made all the difference. Their encouragement helped me build confidence in my communication skills.”
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Balancing her studies with the demands of being a new mother presented its challenges. Shaista had her first child in 2020 and later welcomed her second daughter while pursuing her CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Despite these responsibilities, she persevered with the unwavering support of her husband and the guidance of trainers.
“Completing my Diploma while caring for a baby was a proud achievement,” Shaista shares. “I improved my work quality, submitted assignments successfully on the first attempt, and received positive feedback from my assessor and supervisors during my work placement. Hearing praise for designing activities that matched children’s interests and developmental stages was a moment of triumph.”
The Child Care Skills That Made a Difference
Throughout her studies at Macquarie Community College, Shaista gained a wealth of knowledge about early childhood education and its profound impact on children’s lives.
She learned the importance of the Early Years Learning Framework and developmental milestones; different strategies for managing children’s behaviour and creating age-appropriate learning experiences. How to provide additional support to children with special needs and the significance of observation and planning to enhance children’s learning.
“Now, I understand policies and procedures, and I am aware of my role as a mandatory reporter, always prioritising children’s safety,” Shaista explains. “These skills have made me a more confident educator — and even
more confident mother.”
Supportive Trainers and Lasting Memories
Throughout her journey, Shaista found encouragement from her trainers. She credits her Trainer, Alisha Reavell (Early Childhood Education and Care trainer and assessor at Macquarie Community College), with providing critical support during challenging moments.
“Alisha’s guidance was invaluable during my work placement. She was always there to offer advice and encouragement,” Shaista shares.
In turn, Alisha reflects on Shaista’s journey:
“One of the things which blew me away about Shaista was her passionate commitment to complete both the Certificate III and Diploma, through Macquarie Community College, all whilst raising a family.
Shaista invested so much thoughtfulness into her assessment projects, and I was particularly impressed by her commitment to being environmentally sustainable. Where possible, she reused and recycled resources like cardboard or collected natural materials to introduce into her activities with children.”
Reflecting on her initial work-placement experience, Shaista laughs at the memory of herself and her classmates feeling scared and overwhelmed.
“We were all worried about how we’d handle tasks in a new environment. Looking back now, it’s funny how tense we were — it turned out to be a great learning experience!”
“The way Alisha taught us made concepts clear in my mind. She showed us how to reflect on our work, find reliable learning resources, and continuously improve,” Shaista says. “Now, I know how to set goals and work toward them with confidence.”
Advice for Future Students
To anyone considering enrolling at Macquarie Community College, Shaista offers heartfelt encouragement:
“If you want a stress-free, supportive learning environment where you’ll gain both personal and professional growth, Macquarie Community College is the best choice. The trainers are always encouraging, and the experience is truly enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to my friends and anyone ready to start a new journey.”
Shaista’s story exemplifies the transformative power of education. With her qualifications, confidence, and passion for child care. She is excited to build a full-time career once her daughter turns two. Her inspiring journey is a testament to the strength of perseverance, community, and the right learning environment.
Reflecting on her journey, Shaista emphasises the importance of perseverance and community support.
“I came to Australia uncertain about how I would integrate socially. Now, I have qualifications, work experience, new friends, and a sense of belonging. Macquarie Community College and my wonderful trainer Alisha made that possible.”
Shaista’s story is a testament to the power of community education in transforming lives and building brighter futures. The Macquarie Community College team celebrates Shaista’s incredible achievements and her inspiring dedication to lifelong learning and child care excellence.