SHAPING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN

“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to work with children and help them be the best they can be,” says ELENÉ HEYSTEK.

Her passion for helping children reach their full potential inspired her to study the Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECSt) programme at the University of Auckland.

Elené (20) is nearly halfway through the three-year course.

“I have wanted to do this my whole life. My mum is a teacher and from an early age she brought me with her to class. I helped her design activities and I think that is where my passion grew.

“I have loved children from a very young age. Growing up with three siblings, I used to help them with their homework and the odd project. My heart has always been in working with young children.”

Elené grew up in Pretoria, South Africa. At high school, her favourite subjects were English, Hospitality, History and Business Studies.

“I am kind of a learning junky and really love languages. Anything with books and information is my thing really.”

She loves the BECSt programme she is doing, particularly the practical placements into primary schools.

“The teachers are amazing and so helpful in terms of course work. The placements you go on change your life. I was placed at Whangaparāoa Primary School last semester. The kids were amazing, the staff were amazing, and I think they made my first primary school experience in New Zealand something I will always remember.”

Learning about developmental milestones that every child needs to go through to ensure they can be their best in a learning environment is another aspect that Elené is enjoying.

“Kids are sponges at the end of the day, so everything they see and learn at such a young age, they love it. I feel like we can make such a difference by designing and creating environments and activities that can help them achieve those milestones.

“It is special to be part of those milestones and every big moment they have because they are special beings.”

IT IS SPECIAL TO BE PART OF THOSE MILESTONES AND EVERY BIG MOMENT THEY HAVE BECAUSE THEY ARE SPECIAL beings.

ELENÉ HEYSTEK

Elené says her BECSt studies have made a big difference in her life and for her future.

“I am not sure exactly where I will go in my career, but I will still be working in the same direction with children.

“I am also hoping to do my Masters in Education or even Educational Psychology and maybe even one day I can help write curriculum.

■ ELENÉ HEYSTEK IS STUDYING A BACHELOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

■ SHE IS THOROUGHLY ENJOYING THE PROGRAMME, PARTICULARLY THE PRACTICAL PLACEMENTS. SHE RECENTLY COMPLETED A PLACEMENT AT WHANGAPARĀOA PRIMARY SCHOOL

■ ELENÉ HAS A GOAL OF COMPLETING A MASTER OF EDUCATION OR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

“If you have the patience and desire to help shape children’s lives then this programme would be awesome. You learn so many things about children and education. All you really need is that passion.”

• If you do wish to become a qualified teacher after doing a BECSt degree, you can simply add a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and be ready for the classroom in just one year.

For more information on studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies through the University of Auckland, visit www.auckland.ac.nz