Schools have finally resumed, and parents can let down their hair a bit, knowing that their little ones are in the right hands – like those of Milandi van Aswegen of Avanté Primary School, who’s also new there.
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The Herald caught up with the 27-year-old Milandi, who said she’d been a teacher for eight years. She was inspired by her mother, Julanda Olivier, who not only taught her to be a good and dedicated teacher, but emphasised the importance of being a caring one as well.
When I saw the love and joy she got from teaching my mind was made up,” Milandi said.
She said while she was drawn to the profession, values, principles, respect and love were nurtured – adding that she had to polish up on routine and discipline to make it as a teacher.
Asked about starting the new academic calendar at a new school, she said she was grateful for an opportunity to spread her wings and impart her knowledge and skills to the learners.
She believes that with attributes such as passion, she hopes she will make an immense impact and difference in her learners, not just by teaching, but treating them as her own.
I want to help them be the best they can be, and ultimately better society when they’re older.”
During her journey, Milandi said she planned on correcting the misconception that teaching is just a half-day job, without acknowledging that quite a lot of work is done behind the scenes.
“People seem to forget that we sacrifice our own family time for our learners due to the love and passion we have for teaching.”
She said she hoped she would leave a legacy and be remembered as lovable, kind and respectful, and someone who taught that performing well and achieving one’s objectives are done through hard work and dedication.
