Injury to aid: brain trauma prompts vow to help students prosper in special education

Crossing the stage on Monday, 15 December marks so much more than the completion of her degree. It marks overcoming a trauma she never saw coming, but one she credits as helping her find a purpose.

A gilded sportsperson, Ruby’s career playing soccer for Australia ground to a halt when – during a match as goalkeeper for Central Coast Mariners academy team – she took a knee to the side of the head, causing a depressed skull fracture and traumatic brain injury.

Having just commenced year 12, Ruby’s life suddenly shifted from vivacious and busy, to stagnant – stuck inside and sleeping for up to 20 hours-a-day.

“I went from representing the country playing elite level sport to not being able to do, well – anything, really,” she says.

“It took a long time to come to terms with it, but I think it made me work even harder to find a new purpose.”

Now, the Bachelor of Primary Education graduate has not only overcome her own learning barriers, but she has vowed to dedicate her career to help others succeed in special education.

“I always knew I wanted to go into education eventually, and I’m so grateful I found a pathway to get there.”

Unable to sit the HSC exams, the then-Deputy-Principal at Hunter Sports High encouraged Ruby to apply for early entry. Based on an average of her school marks, she was accepted into a Bachelor of Education via the University of Newcastle’s Schools Recommendation Scheme.

“I went to uni straight from high school and was suddenly back in a classroom and ‘relearning’ how to study,” she remembers.

Ruby pushed herself to defy the odds and eventually found herself thriving.

She recalls a highlight of her study being involved in the University’s unique ‘Super Prac’ model by Dr Jo Riley – whereby students go on placement together in a more supportive environment.

“Super Prac was such a great intro to teaching because, yes, I had been in a classroom before, but I had never been the one leading and resourcing lessons. Because I was there with others from my course going through the same experience it made it so much more comfortable and valuable.”

During her study, Ruby began volunteering as a teacher’s aide. The glimpse into the world of primary education solidified her desire to support students with high needs.

“In my third year I was lucky enough to be selected as one of a handful of students to undertake a special and inclusive education placement,” she says.

“I've been particularly drawn to working with students who have complex mental health conditions. They can have big behaviours, and I really enjoy finding what works for them as individuals to develop strategies that allow them to regulate and work through difficult times.”

Now working at a Lake Macquarie primary school in their support unit, Ruby works across three classes with students with additional needs and is optimistic about the road ahead.

“It took time, but I’ve found a new purpose for my skillset and the things I can do.

“My experience definitely made me more dedicated in uni to work hard and get an outcome – and I think it’s a good reminder that life can throw anything your way but there are ways to make the best of what’s in front of you.”

Ruby Jones will graduate from a Bachelor of Education (Primary) on  Monday, 15 December at 2.30pm.