At the beginning of her senior years, Domonique was faced with a crossroads.

‘My dad told me I would either be taking over our family business or completing a degree at university,’ she recalls. ‘That’s when I came across the teach.Rural scholarship and I knew from that moment I wanted to give back.’

That decision sparked a career rooted in community, connection and a deep love for agricultural education.

Beginning her teaching journey at Yanco Agricultural High School, Dominique reflects on the powerful start this gave to her career. She describes her time at Yanco Agricultural High School as nothing short of incredible.

‘It was a school with a very dedicated principal and a staffroom full of 'Aggies'. I wish I had realised at the time just how lucky I was, from the support, to the resources and the passionate students. It was the dream start to my teaching career.’

Now in Tamworth, Domonique continues to draw strength from the people around her.

‘My local community contributes immensely to the success of our Ag students,’ she says. ‘They donate animals, supply genetics for our stud herd, offer opportunities on their properties, and even give their time after school to mentor our Showstock Team. I owe so much to the community that surrounds us and couldn’t achieve what we have without them.’

When asked about her top teacher tool, Domonique reflects that collaboration is at the heart of everything she does. Her most valuable resource isn’t found in a classroom or on the farm, but in the network of agriculture teachers and mentors she’s met along the way.

‘The Ag space is small but immensely powerful,’ she says. ‘I reach out to other teachers and my farm manager constantly for ideas, assessments and animal welfare advice. The power of the Aggies around you is something special. Reach out to them, rely on them and rejoice with them.’

When asked what she’d say to anyone considering teaching in a rural NSW school, Domonique doesn’t hesitate.

‘Rural and regional communities can be something remarkable. Take the opportunity to truly change the lives of kids who are just waiting to have their world opened up,’ she says.

‘These students deserve kind, dedicated and outgoing teachers. People who see them, believe in them and give them every opportunity possible. Be part of a student’s story, just like the Ag teacher who guided me to be the woman and teacher I am today.’

Wanting to follow in Domonique’s footsteps? Discover how you can become a teacher and explore the day in the life of an agriculture teacher video on the Teach NSW Instagram and Facebook channels.