Mum-of-two goes from horse trainer to school teacher
Student swaps farm life for a new career in the classroom
After years pursuing a very different career, EIT Bachelor of Teaching student Lisa Rist isnowset tobecomea primary teacher with her last assignments just around the corner.
Deciding to change profession wasn’t the first time the 39-year-old mum-of-two has embraced the unknown.
Lisa wasborn inSwedenand grew upon a small farm with lots of animals.
Since shewas a small child, Lisa has had a love for horses.
Turning this passion into a career was practically ano-brainer.
In her 20s, Lisamovedto Iceland and worked on a farmwhere she trained Icelandic horses.
Togain the depth of knowledge needed for her work she studied Equine Science atHo´lar University College.
By a curious twist of fate, Lisa met her Kiwi husband Markwhowas studying arctic char (cold-water fish) at the sameuniversity’s ecology department.
The couplemovedtoSweden where Lisa launched herown business and their children, Noah(8) and Freyja (6), were born. Mark struggled to find the right job in his specialised area, and so the family decided tomovetoNewZealand.
“Whenwearrived here four-anda-half years ago there were only around 50 Icelandic horses in the country, and I had no appropriate facilities to train them. I realised quickly that I needed to refocus.”
Lisa’s mother had mentioned manytimes before that her daughter would be a great teacher. Lisa took her advice to heart feeling certain that she would enjoy it.
“Clearly, itwas a big thing to commit to three years of studying again but it wasdefinitely the right choice. The lecturers are truly amazing and they perfectly complement each other. I really appreciate EIT’s practise-based approach.
“Wespendmanyweeks on placements in different schools and gainsomevaluable insights and work experience. Almost every graduate has been able to find employment straight after completing the degree which adds value to the programme.”
Lisa says she has settled well into NewZealand life. Yet, she still misses family, friends, the family farm and the long Swedish winters. The family had planned to travel toSwedenin July but had to defer the trip due to Covid-19.
“Wehaven’t ruled out returning to live in Swedenone day, so it’s good toknowthatmyEIT degree will also be recognised there,” Lisa says.
During the upcoming months, Lisa will finish her last courses and keep an eye out for job opportunities.
“I’m looking forward to the next phase. It might sound funny but there aremanyparallels between working with horses and children. It’s all about establishing ameaningful relationship. Youneed to earn both trust and respect to teach them.”
There are many parallels between working with horses and children. It’s all about establishing a meaningful relationship. Lisa Rist