Mrs Suzanne Lawrence has been an iconic part of Wesley life for 26 years, teaching students in the Middle School before becoming our Speech and Drama specialist.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have absolutely no idea, but I have always known that I wanted to be one. From the age of three, that probably formulated as a definite pathway in my mind. I can remember my little sister bringing her friends around to our house, and we would sit around the table. They couldn’t understand nouns and verbs and other parts of speech, and I would sit there and help them with that. I’ve done it forever.
Why do you teach?
I get very emotional when I talk about it. I have been given something that is really special and I am able to do something that is so meaningful. My son always says that I am one of the lucky people. Most people go to work as a means to an end to create a way to bring money home to the family, and that’s it; whereas I get to do something I love every day.
What made you choose to join Wesley?
I chose to join Wesley because my husband at the time was an ex-Wesley boy and that’s all he wanted for our son – for him to go to Wesley. There were 104 applicants for the position but I knew if I could just get an interview, I stood half a chance. I have tried to instil in the boys over the years the importance of making sure an application is perfect; grammatically and structurally. I was so excited when I was hired and we moved from Mandurah up to Perth.
Outside of school, what are your favourite things?
My children are the most important part of my life. They are both amazing young people and I am very proud of who they are. My son has a double degree in Law and Psychology and a Masters, with First Class Honours, in Advanced Computer Science. My daughter, after being on television reality shows such as Australia’s Next Top Model and Project Runway, now lives in Los Angeles, has her own business and is currently doing stand-up comedy! Plus, I love the Eagles. My sisters want me to go back and live my final years in New Zealand, but I can’t – I can’t leave the Eagles!
Subscribe to Wesley College News & Events