Students in Focus
"There's no time limit on following your dreams"
Carmen Ulrick is an early childhood educator at Wiradjuri Preschool and Child Care Centre, and is just one unit away from completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Canberra.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do straight out of school. After some time, I ended up working in a residential care facility. I really loved it and even applied to do a Bachelor of Nursing here at UC,” Carmen says.
“I fell pregnant about a month before I got my acceptance letter, so I thought, well that’s not happening now!”
Carmen put her study plans on hold to spend time with her growing family. Her three sons, at one point, all under three years old, were her full-time job – a hectic and high energy job – but she loved it more than anything.
When Carmen enrolled her eldest son in early learning, she was approached by the centre director.
“She said, 'If you ever want work, just let me know.’ So, when the time came, I took her up on that offer,” Carmen says.
At the time, she had no intention of forging a career in early childhood education – but within the first month she realised that somehow, she had landed exactly where she belonged.
It was a community-based service, so I didn’t feel like I had to leave being a stay-at-home mum behind. Instead, it felt like I was welcoming more people into my family,
“Working in early childhood education is all about the tiny magic moments that happen every day. The looks on children's faces when they get what you're trying to teach them; their perspective on the world and the way it changes yours; the feeling that you've made a difference – it’s all so rewarding.”
Carmen worked at the centre two days a week, gradually increasing her hours as she undertook a Certificate III, followed by a diploma, and finally the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at UC. Before long, she was also working as a preschool room leader.
Tertiary level learning took Carmen’s practice as an educator to the next level. Through the bachelor’s degree, she was immersed in topics that applied to her day-to-day work, some of which she has become particularly passionate about, such as social emotional development and inclusion in early learning.
In 2023, she travelled to the UK for a two-week study tour – a highlight in her study journey.
“Now that I'm near the end, I feel like I've taken bits of all the units that I've really connected with, and adapted them to meet my own personal pedagogy,” Carmen says.
“I've also been lucky to make some incredible connections in my time at UC. My lecturers here are so inspiring. The other preservice teachers bring so many different perspectives.”
As a mum of neurodivergent children, who manages her own attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Carmen learned that popular productivity and study advice doesn’t always apply, and instead developed her own strategies for keeping the balance.
“I’d love to say that the trick is to compartmentalise, and to have clear boundaries between work, school and family time, but that’s never how it’s worked for me,” she says.
“For me, it's just about recognising which hat I’m wearing at the time and being able to quickly adapt, because sometimes, that can change within a minute. I might be at work and get a phone call from my son's school, and I'll have to put my ‘mum hat’ on for a second.
"I think all parents have their children in the back of their mind no matter what they’re doing, especially parents of neurodivergent children."
In June, Carmen completed her final placement at Wiradjuri Preschool and Child Care Centre, one of UC’s on-campus early learning centres. She loved the environment so much that she’s now taken an ongoing role there.
What’s struck Carmen throughout her work across the sector, is the natural sense of connection with other educators.
“Everyone is on the same page, and everyone is looking for the same outcome: to ensure the children are happy and thriving,” she says.
Sometimes we can read each other's mind and communicate with just a look. It's unlike anything I've ever experienced in any other sector or field.
Carmen has just one unit left before she graduates in March of 2025. Her boys, a baby, toddler and preschooler when she began her journey, are now eight, 10 and 11.
Balancing study, work and parenthood has been no easy feat, but Carmen has seen the benefits not only for her career, but her family too.
“Sometimes it can feel really hard to explain to the boys – especially on the weekends when it's meant to be family time – why I have to go to the library instead,” Carmen says.
“But I'm trying to set an example for them that it's never too late, even if you're a mum or dad – there's no time limit on following your dreams.”
Story by Kelly White, photos by Liam Budge