Meidi Sirk: I am glad that I made it to university, despite my previous educational path

Meidi Sirk, Doctor of Philosophy in Pedagogy, Lecturer of Vocational Education, Tallinn University School of Educational Sciences

I began my educational path in the tiny Kõpu Primary School, which was close to home. It was there that I developed an interest in creating clothing, as I had an amazing handicrafts teacher. Sewing was not only interesting for me as a hobby, but also an essential skill, as it was not always possible to buy clothes at the store. Also, the most stylish people were always those who could sew their own clothes.

I received my secondary education at the Viljandi Secondary School’s advanced class for maths and physics. From then on, I knew I would eventually like to work with either clothes or interior design. After finishing, I ended up enrolling at the Tallinn Technical School of Light Industry, which was the best place for a comprehensive education in the clothing industry, from design to marketing. I was most inspired by designing and modelling cuts of clothing, as it served as a connection point between drawing sketches and maths, which were my favourite subjects in secondary school.

While studying the designing and modelling of clothes, I discovered an entirely new facet of teaching. Previously, my only understanding of teachers was from my experiences in general education, but the teachers in the vocational school were completely different. They were enthusiastic, likeable, inspiring and specialists in their fields. Seeing them work inspired me to continue my studies after finishing school so that I could become a vocational teacher like them.

After finishing vocational school, I was immediately employed at a studio, which, among others, specialised in creating dancesport dresses. One of our clients was the manager and choreographer of a variety troupe, for whom I had to prepare urgent orders for dresses on several occasions. She was probably impressed by my skill, as after leaving the studio and starting my studies in vocational pedagogy, she contacted me again. She convinced me to take private orders to create and decorate performance clothes for her troupe. From time to time, I also designed and sewed party and wedding dresses and everyday clothing.

In addition to studying and creating performance costumes, I also began to teach on my own. At first, I taught my profession, followed by an opportunity to teach it at university. While working at the university and supervising thesis works, I felt that I was lacking in scientific knowledge and skills, so I pursued a PhD. It was difficult, as studying was far less entertaining than my work. I often fell asleep reading scientific articles.

It is sad to think of it like that, but I was saved from overworking by a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. This changed everything but for the better. Even though I had so much to do and stress about with next to no free time, I had to pick up sports to take care of my health. I often went running and also started strength training. This had a positive impact on my health and helped me cope with the fast pace of learning and work, ensuring a balance between mind and body. Come hell or high water, I was motivated to take breaks between my research work and put on my running shoes. Even though it cut off my train of thought, I always came back with a fresh mind after exercising.

I was unbelievably lucky as a starting scientist. After I wrote my first scientific article at the beginning of my PhD studies, it was received well, after some additions, and published. This filled me with great motivation to keep pursuing science. I was also successful with my second and third articles. One received second place in a state-level competition and the second won it entirely. Every new article strengthened my passion for science. I felt excited about reading theories and thinking about their possible connections to my research.

I am glad that I made it to university, despite my previous educational path. I had many misunderstandings and fears about university. Coming from a rural school, I was not strong in foreign languages, as in my school, we did not even have an English teacher. I was also afraid of writing, as I lacked functional reading skills. However, anything can be learned, as long as you are willing to do so.

Some people consider vocational school to be the final step in their educational journey, but for me, it was just the beginning. It is exciting to think that I have gone through all the educational levels, from a small rural school to gradually bigger educational institutions.

Even now, I sometimes see performance costumes or party dresses created by me on stage, which gives me a warm feeling. I am happy these clothes are still intact and in use. I am still engaged in the clothing industry, just on a small scale and primarily as a hobby. My last work was the designing, sewing and decorating of a rhythmic gymnastics performance costume for my daughter. These skills will stay with me forever.

Biggest joys in my work:

• The university provides many opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Nothing stagnates or deteriorates here.
• I enjoy working with data and analysing it.
• I’m satisfied about how preparing vocational teachers is getting more and more science-based, partially due to my own research.

Career:

• Clothing designer and modeller – 10 years
• Scientist – 15 years

Education:
2021 Tallinn University, Doctorate of Philosophy in Pedagogy
2007 Tallinn University, Master’s in Pedagogy (Vocational Education Didactics)
2003 Tallinn Pedagogical University, Vocational Teacher
2000 Tallinn Technical School of Light Industry, designing and modelling clothing (vocational education)
1997 C.R. Jakobson Viljandi Secondary School
1994 Kõpu Primary School