The first of her nine siblings to go to university, she is continuing her journey in education with a Master of Teaching (Primary) at Western Sydney University Online.
A passion for teaching that started early
In her early childhood, Wafa was inspired by her primary school teachers. After being gifted a chalkboard from her late father, she would spend hours pretending to be a teacher with her young nieces and nephews being her students.
“I can remember being eight or nine years old and already having an interest in teaching. And I loved the way my teachers in primary school taught, so I would go back home and pretend I was a teacher.”
Maintaining a love of teaching through motherhood
Throughout her teenage years, Wafa’s ambition and passion to become a teacher grew, but so did her desire for a family. She got married at 19, choosing not to study directly after high school but to focus on her family life instead. Shortly after, she fell pregnant and welcomed her first son, followed by two more children. Wafa raised her three children as a stay-at-home mum, dedicating herself to teaching them the basics before they started school. She saw herself as their first teacher, ensuring they had a strong foundation before entering the formal education system.
Once her youngest of three children went to preschool, she was able to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She went on to do a Certificate III and a Diploma in Children’s Services, which allowed her to begin her career in early childhood education. Wafa went on to complete a Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to Five) degree, which she applied to her professional and personal life. Wafa graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree with a Distinction. She applied what she had learned at university to help her eldest son, teaching him how to write essays, do proper referencing, and improve his academic writing skills. Wafa passed on her commitment to learning and education to all her children, reinforcing the message that education is a vital, lifelong journey.
“I’ve always told my children that education doesn’t end at school – it’s a lifelong journey. Learning is about curiosity, resilience, and hope, and I want them to carry that love of learning in their hearts for life.”
A proud mum with drive and ambition
Despite the demands of raising six children, Wafa never lost sight of her dream to become a primary school teacher. While she worked in early childhood education, she knew her true passion was leading her own classroom.
When the opportunity arose to step into a Year 2 class, Wafa embraced it with the support of her family. It was a defining moment, transforming years of dedication into the career she had always envisioned. Today, she’s living her dream as a primary school teacher, proving that with determination and the right support, it’s never too late to change direction and achieve your goals.
Wafa’s pathway to a master’s degree
After working at the school for a year, the principal and other staff encouraged her to do a Master of Teaching (Primary). After some research, she found Western Sydney University Online. The combination of online studying and flexible study times appealed to Wafa, and she applied.
Now, Wafa manages to balance the demands of motherhood, work, and study with determination, discipline, and strong family support. Her daily routine is structured around her responsibilities both at home and in her pursuit of academic excellence.
A day in Wafa’s life as an online master’s student
Juggling work, motherhood, and studying is no easy task, but Wafa has managed to do it. On an average day, she begins with housework, like laundry, before getting her children ready for school. On workdays, Wafa gets herself ready to go teach before returning home to make dinner and prepare for the next day. On her days off, she dedicates most of her time to online studying, often spending hours behind her laptop completing coursework and assignments.
With the steady support of her husband and six children, Wafa is determined to see her dream come to fruition. Even though her workload is heavy, she prioritises her education and maintains high academic standards for herself. She strives not just to pass but to achieve the highest distinctions. She commits fully to each assignment, carefully reviewing grading criteria and ensuring her work meets the highest standards. Her dedication is evident to her teachers, who recognise her as someone who actively engages in learning by asking questions and seeking clarity whenever needed.
“It’s hard, but I can do it, and I will do it with the support of my children and my husband, because they all know my passion for teaching.”
How Western Sydney University Online is empowering Wafa
Wafa credits her teachers at Western Sydney University Online as the driving force behind her achievements. With the support provided to our students, Wafa has been able to thrive academically.
“My teachers and the Western Sydney university Online staff are all supportive. They’ve got support systems in place that make assessments and the criteria easy to understand.”
At Western Sydney University Online, students have access to a comprehensive support network designed to help you succeed. From enrolment to graduation, our dedicated team is here to assist you with course planning, academic guidance, and technical support, ensuring you have the help you need every step of the way.
At Western Sydney Online, our students have access to the following resources:
- Online Learning Advisors are specially trained to teach and support students in an online environment.
- Assignment support to help with brainstorming, feedback and more.
- Access to study buddies who will guide you through your online study journey and provide a sense of community.
Learn more about our student support networks here.
If you have passion, you can succeed
Wafa’s story is a testament to how you can succeed in your studies and achieve your goals, no matter what.
“No matter your age, no matter what your circumstances are, no matter what lifestyle you have or how many children you have, you can succeed if you have a passion.”
Learn more about the Master of Teaching (Primary)
Western Sydney University Online offers aspiring primary school teachers like Wafa an opportunity to pursue their dreams with a Master of Teaching (Primary). Visit our Master of Teaching (Primary) page to learn more about this exciting online teaching course. You can also download a brochure to browse our course content, career pathways, how online study works, and course fees.
Get in touch with one of our friendly Course Consultants to find out more. Or apply now.
Not sure if a Master of Teaching (Primary) is for you? Here are five reasons you might love this course.