Introduction: Who, What, When, Where and Why?

Back in December I got an e-mail that has pretty much changed my life.

After leaving university almost three years ago, after a number of difficult personal obstacles and feeling at my lowest, I found myself in a fantastic secondary school working as a mentor for KS3 students. A year later I was taken on as a TA, specialising in ASD. After nearly two years of challenges, tears and triumphs I found myself applying to teacher training courses.

Now, being the pessimist that I am, I didn't exactly expect to get anywhere. But I smiled and nervously withstood the interview processes sharing a few anecdotes, feeling like an idiot for almost rising from my chair while I was talking and even throwing in a little bit of slang (not randomly, for a reason) for good measure. I proved I could recognise a review and peruse a poem all while under the watchful eye of my fellow candidates.

The day ended, I contemplated heading back into work but deciding against it, I headed home. Not four hours later, my inbox pinged and the decision was made.

"I am delighted to tell you, you will soon receive an official offer from the university"

I read the message again three times. It couldn't be true. Me? No. Never. Really?

Then I cried.

I called my friends and family (only one of whom picked up the phone) and I cried some more.

I was filled with elation, uncertainty and purpose, it was finally happening.

So here I am, 172 days away from starting my PGCE in Secondary English.

Working with children has shown me who I am and what I can be... Hopefully I can do the same for them...