A legacy to empower educators

As the eldest of four, Chaomin Ruan grew up looking after her younger siblings. Her family moved to New Zealand from China when she was five, and with her parents speaking little English, she was responsible for helping her sister and brothers with schoolwork – something she quickly came to love. “I really enjoyed teaching them what I knew,” she says. “They ended up doing very well, and it made me realise I could actually make an impact.”

When it came to deciding on a career path, she took her mum’s advice and enrolled in a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) at the University in 2023. “In high school I didn’t have a clear view of what I wanted to be, but my mum knew I loved working with kids and saw how I interacted with them. She said I would love teaching; she was right.”

Majoring in primary and intermediate, Chaomin has just wrapped up her second year of study. She says the practicum segment of her degree has been incredibly rewarding. “My first practicum showed me that teaching was the right choice. I worked with five-year-olds and every morning they would come in and give me a hug. That was the highlight of my day!”

Her biggest takeaway so far has been the influence teachers have on children, in terms of both their education and their personal development. Making a conscious effort to learn about students and build relationships with them is key to ensuring they feel valued and appreciated, she says. “Not only are we here to teach; we’re here to be their supporter and look after their well-being. Sometimes teachers are the only ones who students can depend on.”

Receiving the 2024 Fred Doolin Education Scholarship was an acknowledgement of Chaomin’s genuine passion for teaching and belief in the power of education to transform lives. The scholarship was established in 2023 in memory of Fred Doolin, a former teacher and alumnus of the University. Fred grew up in Dover, England, where he gave up a secondary school scholarship to support his family, who were facing financial challenges. In 1949 he migrated to New Zealand where, over 13 years, he earned his secondary school diploma while initially working at the railway workshops. Later, he achieved a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University and went on to become a teacher at Avondale Primary School. During his employment there, he studied part-time and completed a Master of Arts in History.

The scholarship was established by Fred’s son, Gerard, to acknowledge his father’s legacy and the obstacles he overcame. “My father aspired to careful critical thinking and consideration of others in relation to one’s existence, underpinned by the foundation of education,” he explains. Through his studies and teaching career, Fred built a successful life and had a meaningful impact on his community. Gerard hopes the scholarship helps others do the same. “I hope young people decades on from my father’s time are inspired by his journey and understand how education offers the basis to be part of, and contribute to, society.”

Following in Fred’s footsteps is “an honour”, says Chaomin, adding that she almost let self-doubt talk her out of applying for the scholarship. Her partner urged her to go for it, and learning she was the recipient gave her the encouragement she needed to believe in herself. “It motivated me to study harder and put more focus on my grades,” she says. “And it made me feel like I can continue my academic journey and study further.”

After graduating, she plans to pursue a Master of Education while gaining valuable work experience with relief teaching. As she prepares for her final year of study and looks to the future, she’s heeding her mum’s words of wisdom: “My mum is constantly telling me education is the key; my future is in my hands and I am the only one who can determine its success. I hold that quite close to my heart.”