MY FCGC STORY – My journey to becoming a teacher by Laura Madigan (FCGC GYMNAST & Coach)

Ever since I was grade four I knew I wanted to teach kids. My mum said I was made to be a teacher from the time I first made a friend in kinder, as all I ever wanted to do was play schools, and of course I was always the teacher. In saying this, I never really knew what it fully meant to be a teacher. I didn’t understand that being a teacher meant more than teaching maths and English. It meant being a role model, leading by example, teaching life skills and lessons that will help them within society.
I started coaching at FCGC in 2016. I was one of the first members of FCGC to participate in the leadership program, and through this program I learnt what it meant to be a teacher. Whether you are a swim instructor, a lecturer at university, or like myself a coach, we are all teachers. We are all people who can make a significant difference in a child’s life if we are willing to put in the time and effort.
I have gained so much knowledge, skill and achievements from my 13 years of involvement in gymnastics, but it was when I became a coach that I saw my biggest personal growth. I believe one of my biggest personal developments as not only a coach, but a teacher to be, was my increase in confidence. For any of you that know me, you will find this hard to believe, but when I was a little girl, I was very shy. Over the years through my passion for gymnastics, I have found the place where I can truly be myself and this has led me to being the person I am today.
The work and opportunities I have been given while being a part of FCGC contributes to my confidence that I now show. The introduction of FCGCs parent interaction time was a challenge for me, as I always found talking to parents daunting and in some ways confronting, but as I continued to be put out of my comfort zone, I achieved things I never thought I would have had the confidence in doing so beforehand. Another challenging opportunity I received from coaching was taking my own kinder gym class. This involved me interacting and communicating with parents while working closely with their child. Both opportunities I was lucky enough to have had, have scaffolded my learning to become the best teacher I can be.
As I continue to study primary school teaching I will proceed to use my knowledge that I have taken away from FCGC to help me on my pathway to becoming a teacher. I’m very thankful to have been introduced to such an amazing sport and being a part of a community where I have developed strong friendships and skills for life.