 I guess in some ways teaching is in my blood. My parents were both teachers. I remember from a very early age being at shopping centres and kids yelling out to my parents and coming over for a chat, seeing the difference that you can make in kids' lives. At the end of my degree, I thought I had my journey all mapped out as to what I wanted to do and I was three weeks shy of heading to London when I got a phone call offering me a position in the Torres Strait. Except at the contract, had no idea what I was in for. I really didn't know what life was going to be like. It was meant to be home for six months and it ended up being home for just under two and a half years. Played a very special part in my teaching career. I've been able to transfer across the state to schools from the Torres Strait, Cairns and Brisbane. One of the things I've learnt is that you can make it anywhere home and the best way to do that is connecting with community and colleagues over a cuppa, sharing the laugh and having a bite to eat. Whether it's here in a cafe in Cairns or under a mecca tree in the Torres Strait. You really do make a difference in kids' lives and for me as a teacher, it's not just about teaching content, it's about teaching what it is to be a good human and actively contribute to society. I've been blessed to work in some amazing schools across the state that I felt at home in because that philosophy around that holistic learning, innovation, creativity is embedded into everyday life. From the Torres Strait, I transferred to Brisbane and there was something that was, I guess, really missing. That was that small, close-knit community and the fact that you walked down to the local shop on an afternoon and they'd know your name and you'd have a chat and a laugh. It wasn't lonely, it was home. If someone was to ask me why I've become a teacher, I think it's an incredibly rewarding profession. You will randomly come across a kid that you taught and they'll remember you or share a story about a class that they had with you or something about your teaching that they remember. You know, I once read a quote, you've become a reflection of the places you've been and the people you've met. And I think that that really has stayed with me throughout my life.