Matt Rodriguez has lived in Sydenham for 20 years, and is an early childhood educator. He spoke to Ewen McRae.
What is your connection to Brimbank?
I’ve lived in Sydenham for nearly 20 years now and have loved every moment of it.
What do you like best about the area?
I like that everything is so close. No matter where you reside in Sydenham there is always strips of locally-owned shops, service stations, shopping centres and public transport options, all within reach for you and your family.
What could make the area better?
If I had to nominate one thing, it would be to probably try and increase the number of parks and walking trails to relax with friends and family on a day off.
Where is your favourite place to go for a feed in Brimbank?
By far my favourite place to go for a feed in Brimbank would be to the chicken shop down in Keilor Village. I’ve been going there with mates now for years and it has always hit the spot.
How did you come to be an early childhood educator?
Through my ambitions to follow in my grandmother and aunties’ footsteps as a teacher. When approaching my career path, I chose to start at an early childhood setting to fully comprehend the transition from an early childhood to a primary education environment from the point of the child up until the level of education itself.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is where I work. Inspira Kids is an amazing early learning centre to be a part of. Initially, I was a student on placement. The families I met, as well as the education being so supportive and caring, gave me the confidence to hand in my resume … to be part of an amazing early childhood education and care environment.
How important are the early years in setting a child on the path to a good education?
The early years of a child’s life are crucial in setting a child on a path to a good education. No two children are the same. Two children might share the same name, humour, cultural background, taste in music … whatever the case may be, however, they learn and respond to learning at very different paces. It is crucial that these children’s learning dispositions are catered and cared for as well as be held in high regard by both families and educators to set the child’s path for a good education in the future.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
What would people be surprised to know about you?That’s a tough one, really. I guess you could say I’m a pretty good bartender. I’ve had years of experience and have picked up some neat tricks along the way, as well as some broken bottles.
