Jessica Bosch always wanted to become a teacher. Her grandfather, a maths teacher, and grandmother, librarian, were instrumental in her choice of career path. Even at an early age, Jess would role play being a teacher, and looked forward with optimism to having her own class one day.

Whilst studying towards a Bachelor of Education, Jess worked in the early learning sector. Her on the job training built skills, practical experience and networking, which would be invaluable toward her university studies and the competitive labour market for Western Australian primary school teachers. But her passion for teaching extended beyond her work and studies.

Becoming a mother in 2012 meant Jess had her own classroom at home. A dream to have more children was rocked in 2013, with the passing of her second child during labour. Despite the risks and potential heartache, Jess became a mother again in 2014, and by this time, she was managing an early learning facility.

The opportunity to teach was very strong and irresistible, and Jess was unwilling to let go of her lifelong dream. The impact of her skills, passion, patience and kindness was shown with having two children that were reading and writing by kindergarten.

But then in July 2015, breast cancer emerged. Despite gruelling treatments and surgeries, by December 2017 cancer robbed the world of Jessica Bosch. Her parents lost their daughter. Her children lost their mother. Society lost a promising educator.

I am certain that Jessica Bosch would be humbled to have a scholarship in her name, and in her quiet manner would congratulate the successful candidate by saying something like “Good luck and enjoy your studies. Look forward to realising your dream. Learning is the best. And don’t forget, everything can be cleaned” (a joke she would say when setting up painting and other craft activities for her daughters).

By Saul Bosch (husband)