Teach Learn Grow is back in 2021 with a new issue of Where Are They Now? Stories of TLG Alumni, where we have an opportunity to showcase the amazing work of individuals in their local community. This week we are sharing the story of Holly Nilan, a high school English, Humanities and Social Sciences teacher in the South West who says her involvement with TLG throughout university opened her up to new opportunities in the area of education.

Holly’s TLG journey began in 2015 after her first Rural Program to Karalundi. She went on to participate in a total of eight Rural Programs, coordinating six times, in addition to volunteering on the TLG Executive for two and a half years, from 2017 until 2019 when she graduated. 

Holly now works full-time as a high school teacher at Hope Christian College and credits TLG with providing an opportunity to test her teaching skills and develop a love of working with students. “At UWA I first studied a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History, Political Science and English,” Holly explained. “I then undertook my Honours in History, before studying my Masters of Secondary Teaching.”

“I had vaguely thought about teaching before volunteering with TLG, but I didn’t think I had the right personal qualities. From my very first Rural Program, I felt at home working with students and being in the classroom. Volunteering with TLG showed me that I have the skills and capabilities to work with students.”

Recalling many fun memories from her time volunteering with TLG, Holly specifically brought up “singing loudly (and terribly)” to Daryl Braithwaite at the Gnowangerup school disco, stargazing with her tutors during a power outage, and dreaming up big ideas to work towards with her Executive team. Holly commented that her experiences volunteering provided an “excellent opportunity to grow and develop as a person, as you face all sorts of new challenges and learn a variety of unique skills.”

Holly decided to join the TLG Executive at the start of 2017, and stepped into the role of Finance Manager after six months, where she stayed until graduating. “The role of our team changed enormously over that time,” Holly said. “Especially given the huge growth TLG experienced during those years.” In this role Holly was responsible for ensuring resources and tutoring supplies were distributed to each Rural Program group and creating financial goals for the year ahead. She said she was especially “proud of delivering the ‘Cool Hoodie’ range, which featured designs from a local Fremantle artist,” into the TLG Store.

Since graduating from her Masters of Secondary Teaching, Holly has spent the last two years working at Hope Christian College in Roelands as an English and Humanities teacher. “This is my second year teaching here,” she shared “I was very blessed to be offered a full-time permanent role right as I graduated from my degree.”

“As an English and HASS teacher specifically, I love educating my students about the world around them, helping them to think about the experiences of other people in the world, and to ask deeper questions about why our society has come to be what it is today.”

When asked why she chose to work in a rural school straight out of university, Holly responded that having spent time with TLG and at partner schools such as Gnowangerup, she knew she preferred the “strong connection in small schools and communities.” Holly explained that during her university practical placement, she felt lost in the crowds at large schools, and enjoyed the close relationships she could develop in smaller towns. “I love being able to know all the students in the school, and to have connections with all the people I work with. Being in an environment where everyone looks after each other and works closely together allows me to feel that I’m making a difference in my community,” she expressed.

Holly has clearly found her calling as a teacher, working to uplift her students through community and education. She shared with us the sense of fulfilment she has gained through her work, saying that “getting to know my students has brought me so much joy; every day is a new adventure when you are teaching such a vibrant and wonderful group of young people. Helping my students identify their goals and unlock their potential is one of the most rewarding things about being a teacher!”

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Holly for sharing her story with us.

If you know anyone with an inspiring story to be featured in an upcoming Where Are They Now? article reach out to TLG’s Public Relations Officer Hannah Landwehr at h.landwehr@teachlearngrow.org.au.