Pasifika graduate aspires to teach at former high school

Amanda Fuiono felt nothing but glory, happiness, satisfaction and pride when she donned her cap and gown and crossed the graduation stage, in a word, she felt ‘fulfilled’.

Her hard work, effort, determination, late nights, and sacrifices came together as she graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Physical Education) Pathway to Teaching (Secondary) at Western Sydney University.

With the traditional necklace of sweets – Ula lole – layered proudly around her neck, the aspiring teacher from Mount Druitt celebrated with her biggest supporter.

“My biggest support has been my mother. She has always pushed me to take education seriously so I wouldn’t be here without her commitment and high value for education,” said Amanda.

“During my studies, I've met so many amazing people who are just as like-minded and have that love for learning and sport like I do, and higher education has also made me a more informed person.

“Everything I have learnt within my degree I was able to apply to my everyday life, so it was interesting to learn since it was relevant. Especially within health science, I’ve gained a better understanding of what impacts an individual's or group's health along with how they can maintain or better it.”

A former student of Lethbridge Park Public School and Rooty Hill High School, Amanda’s teachers motivated her to pursue further studies. She later became the principal's representative at high school.

“Mrs Kean was my favourite primary school teacher because she was so organised and valued hard work. I wanted to be just like her. When I got to high school, I loved learning about health and playing sports, plus my PDHPE teachers were such great role models as well, so I switched from primary school teaching to high school,” she said.

First connecting with the University in her junior years through the First Foot Forward program, Amanda was encouraged to see higher education and lifelong learning as part of her future and took part in on-campus experiences.

She also participated in the University’s Pasifika Achievement To Higher Education (PATHE) program, which empowers Pacific communities to aspire to further education and training, and the Fast Forward program, which encourages students to see the value in continuing their education through Year 12 and beyond.

“I already knew I wanted to go to university since I was in fourth grade because I wanted to do teaching but the exposure and knowledge these programs offered just made it easier to transition from high school to Uni because I had already been there before, many times, and been equipped with all the knowledge I needed to be successful within my degree.”

“I wasn’t scared to go to university after high school, I was so excited because of what the programs showed me about what Western Sydney University had to offer me for my future. The programs were fun, interactive, and informative.”

Amanda counts winning the division 2 women’s volleyball at UniSport Nationals 2022 and getting full marks on a major assessment among her proudest moments at University.

The 21-year-old will now study a postgraduate degree with aspirations of becoming a PDHPE teacher at her former high school.

“I’m currently undertaking my postgraduate degree, Master of Teaching (Secondary). I hope to be a PDHPE teacher at Rooty Hill High School and take over the volleyball program there.”

ENDS

28 April 2023

Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer

Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas

Latest News

ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI

The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.

Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.

Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents

Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.