The best job there is

When he was captain of West Bathurst Public School, Darren Denmead never dreamed he would one day be the school’s Principal. He thanks CSU and his four scholarship donors for recognising his potential.

When Darren Denmead returned to CSU as a mature age student to study a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), he could not have imagined how life-changing it would be. Having completed a Marketing degree at CSU straight out of school, Darren decided that he wanted to make a difference by becoming an educator.

Part of his drive came from receiving four scholarships: Dr Henry Nowik Scholarship (in 2006); Gerry & Helen Baber Scholarship (2007); White Family Scholarship (2008); and the Western Research Institute Honours Scholarship (2009).

“Receiving those scholarships was my best CSU experience. I just couldn’t believe how much everyone wanted to help me succeed. Financially, the scholarships meant I could give up casual employment, which not only gave me more time to focus on studies but also allowed me to spend more time with my family.

“Even more importantly, I was encouraged by the support and heartened to know that determination, motivation, passion and respect were rewarded. These scholarships showed me that age was no barrier and, significantly, that others could sense potential in me, which was a wonderful, lifechanging feeling. “My donors fostered an ongoing belief in my vision and skills. This has led me to pursue leadership positions and I am sure this would not have happened as quickly, or perhaps at all, if it were not for receiving this support.”

To learn and to hope

While studying, Darren was inspired to make a difference and enrich the lives of every child in his school, and reports that nothing much has changed.

“I still love learning and teaching and my enthusiasm grows each day. I have presented numerous times to first and fourth year CSU students over the past few years and love helping them prepare for and be inspired by the best job there is.

“Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the idea of making life a little bit more special for our kids and their families? No matter how trying the day, I go home knowing that I have helped children to believe in themselves and to love learning. The job is very demanding, but there is no better feeling than when you help kids to learn and to hope.”

No matter how trying the day, I go home knowing that I have helped children to believe in themselves and to love learning.

Darren Denmead