Alumni Profile – Jamie Valdes

Alumni Profile

JAMIE VALDES - Class of 2014

Interviewed by Rose Parente

What year did you finish at St Aloysius?

I completed Year 12 VCE in 2014.

What study did you undertake after Year 12?

After graduating from Year 12, I was accepted to study a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). After a year and a half there was a turn of events and I realised that although I enjoyed studying the content in my nursing degree, I was still unhappy. It was my nursing placement that gave me the realisation of not seeing myself in this profession for the rest of my life. As I faced the obstacles and the immense pressure of having to think of what I wanted to study, after many prayers, thoughts, wisdom and support from family and friends, there, instilled in my heart, was the impact and difference I wanted to make especially in children’s lives. I made the decision to study a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at ACU and I’ve been extremely happy with this decision.

What influenced your choice of career?

For as long as I can remember, I knew wholeheartedly that I wanted to strive to live a life that helped others and made a positive difference in people’s lives. Since I was a little girl, I played teacher and looked up to my teachers. They always had such big hearts and made an impact on my education. When I was 17 years old, I became a church youth leader which opened up a multitude of wonderful experiences. I had the opportunity to speak in front of many young kids and teenagers, and to teach them more about the Catholic faith. I enjoyed encouraging children and teenagers, helping them to realise their potential and help shape the person they may ultimately become. I felt in my heart the need to help young people see their strengths and face the challenges that will essentially help them to become the best people they can. I believed teaching to be a pathway to allow me to do just that.

Study/career/travel highlights

In February 2018, I was blessed with the opportunity to be one of five Australian Volunteer Missionaries to travel to the Philippines to work with the poor. When I learnt of this opportunity, I was incredibly anxious but despite all my worries prior to the journey, this was an unforgettable experience. I spent the entire month volunteering alongside four girls and a consecrated lay woman and developed a really strong bond with each of them. We spent the month visiting and feeding poor children and their families in their homes, teaching children at schools about the Catholic faith and spending time with children at hospitals and adoption centres. There were many laughs, and tears throughout the weeks – our hearts were so full. This experience turned my life around and changed my perspective on aspects of life. In turn, it made me eternally grateful for what and how much we have here, because the families we visited had the utmost joy and happiness despite how little they had.

What skills have you learnt?

Throughout my years studying to become a teacher and being a youth ministry leader, I have gained a multitude of skills from my experiences. I have learnt the importance of communication. Communication is not only important in the workforce, but also in our relationships with others. With communication comes great listening and honesty. Communication allows people to share ideas. It gives people a voice when people are listening. Communication involves learning how to listen and to understand one another, which is a great skill to have for the rest of your life.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?

The biggest challenge I have overcome was when I realised nursing wasn’t for me and I wanted to become a teacher. Throughout Year 12 and after I graduated from St Aloysius College, both my family and I felt that I would become a nurse. I was so afraid of what my family would say when I told them I had changed my mind about my future career. It was an extremely hard and stressful time for me. I continuously doubted myself and did not want to disappoint anyone, especially my parents. When the time finally came where I felt ready to be honest with them, it was one of the greatest feelings in the world. My parents listened carefully and lovingly. To my surprise, my parents were not as angry as I had anticipated. If anything, they told me they had this parental instinct that I wasn’t happy with where I was. They were and have always been enormously supportive after my transfer. I have learnt to not be afraid, to be honest, not only with my family and friends, but with myself and what makes me happy.

What do you recall of your time at St Aloysius College? What is your most fond memory?

One of the fondest memories I have at St Aloysius College was definitely St Aloysius Day and the Mercy Day celebrations. Those two days every year would be the events that most of the students look forward to. I remember clearly the “Throw a pie at your teacher!” stall which was hilarious to see, and the school disco where all the students and teachers danced the afternoon away. I will always remember my Year 12 days in the common room and the beautiful friendships I had with fellow students.

Who or what has inspired you?

I have been blessed with the most incredible, amazing and beautiful family and friends I could ever pray for. I am so grateful to be part of a family that thrives on love and support. My parents and siblings have always taught me to choose love and be kind, and to always find the good in others. My friends have hearts of gold and support me in my decisions along with tough criticisms that I know come from genuine care and love. The poor families and children I visited when I was on a missionary trip to the Philippines, inspire me because they radiate joy and love from the simplest of things. This inspires me to keep working hard to help make a positive change in this world. All these people in my life have helped shape me become the person I am today and who I will constantly aspire to be.

What are your career aspirations/goals in the coming years?

I will graduate from University and have become a fully-fledged primary school teacher. One of my goals is to teach children in another country and delve deep into the culture and the experience.