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As a child, Chloe Rickard worked in her
family’s business developing sharp retail and
sales skills and soon discovered that she had
a knack for the industry.
‘It wasn’t long before I had exceeded all
of the sales records of the store and was
offered the 2IC position.’
Her outstanding performance in that role
soon lead to a position in tourism at Hervey
Bay, where she also exceeded all sales
records. But, despite her success, Chloe
knew in her heart that the retail industry
simply wasn’t for her. Chloe’s deep passion
for teaching began when she was a child;
she would create homework sheets for her
younger sister to complete after she had
finished her own. Feeling unfulfilled during
a member of the Golden Key International
Society and a panel chair member for an
international education conference. Being a
Student Ambassador fuelled Chloe’s passion
for challenges and helping others by sharing
her experiences so that others might follow
their dreams like she did at USQ.
‘I was interested in the varied tasks an
ambassador is responsible for. I was also
happy to share my university experiences
with future students.’
As a USQ graduate, Chloe has a variety of
amazing experience to share. A practical
placement in Thailand led Chloe to secure
a paid position there after her graduation.
Living on the outskirts of Bangkok for 12
months, she taught maths to over 180
‘I loved the idea of being in an industry which involved
change, variety and challenge as well as helping the next
generation to realise their dreams’
her time in retail, Chloe realised her dream
was helping others to achieve their own
through education
students and her husband, Drew, taught
physical education to primary aged students.
Not quite ready to head for home just yet,
Seeking a career that would challenge her
Chloe and Drew then moved to Cambodia
and allow her to be creative, Chloe enrolled
and volunteered their skills and experience
in a Bachelor of Education at USQ.
at a local school. They ran trivia nights, bake
sales and music events and eventually raised
‘When I decided to go to uni, I was ready
enough money to secure a larger building
and really took it seriously. I think that it is
very important to feel ready for that journey.’ for a new childcare centre and a new
ceiling in the existing school building. They
While studying her education degree,
absolutely loved their Cambodian experience
majoring in visual arts and mathematics,
and would take the opportunity to revisit
Chloe decided that she didn’t just want a
their Khmer family whenever possible.
degree from USQ, she wanted the whole
Chloe lives by the idea that you only live
university experience.
once and if you want to do something
‘I had decided early on to keep an open
you shouldn’t hesitate. She passionately
mind and say ‘yes’ to as much as I could.
encourages other students to apply the
Participating in these extra opportunities
same mantra to their own studies.
was one of the best things that I did during
‘For current education students – if you have
my time at USQ.’
the opportunity to complete a professional
Chloe said yes to multiple events including
placement overseas, do it!’
the USQ Art Exhibition, Carnival of Flowers
parade, volunteering for Lifeline, Adopta-family for Christmas and working as a
WORDS: BELINDA CAMERON – USQ Alumni
Student Ambassador. Chloe then became
IMAGES: USQ ONLINE MARKETING TEAM