Bedtime stories for me as a child were about gaining a good education, how it's one of the few things in life that no one can take from you once you've achieved it and how it can open doors in life that would never be possible without it.
Each time I gained a certificate for anything, my dad would take it to work to laminate and we would put it in a file. This eventually became my 'Record of Achievement' and I needed two files by Year 13! I still have and fill those files because of what my parents said about a good education. I have since gained a BSc (Hons) in Physiology and Pharmacology and two masters degrees, an MSc in Science and a MA in Education both through the Open University whilst working full time. I am hoping to add a Doctorate to the collection as I feel that would be the ultimate reward for my parents to witness. I wonder if my dad would get it laminated.
It’s funny because during high school I was really keen to study performing arts but my parents encouraged me to pursue science which I had always shown an interest in. Good job because I can't sing or dance and my best drama role to date is playing William the Troll in a school production of 'Tant' and I only enjoyed that because I got to hit the audience members with my club!
During my undergraduate degree I spent my sandwich year working as a research and development technician in a flour mill in Avonmouth Docks. I spent my days developing recipes for craft bakers using our flour which entailed, at times, making 150 sponge cakes a day but ranged from chocolate chip muffins to French baguettes. I put a lot of weight on!
It was both during this placement and in the year I went back to work for the company as a graduate that I realised what my mum and dad had been telling me for years – I’m quite bossy and LOVE being in charge! Someone mentioned I might make a good teacher so I looked into it and applied for a PGCE. By the following September I was living back home, much to my mum’s delight, and beginning my teaching journey and oh what a journey that has been.
I learned very quickly that schools weren’t for me and moved straight into the sixth form sector working in two other sixth form colleges before joining Winstanley College in September 2011 as Head of Biology. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride since then but I feel very privileged to work in such an outstanding institution with the most outstanding students. I come to work each day, teach, manage my department, attend meetings, etc, etc. Sometimes it feels like I’m on a treadmill that I can’t get off and somebody else is controlling the speed and at the same time I’m juggling all these plates and trying my best not to drop them! To say it’s hard work is an understatement, but it’s great work.
"I love being a teacher and the many challenges it brings - the very best day of the year is results day. That's the day I learn that the students have done it!"
Out of the blue I was asked by Tracey Baxter, one of STEM Learning’s Regional Development Leads, if it would be ok if she nominated me for an ENTHUSE Celebration Award. To have somebody outside of my institution believe that I have made an impact through teaching is very humbling. As far as I’m concerned I’m just doing a job that I love and I didn’t think I was worthy of the nomination but Tracey insisted.
When I got the email to say I’d been shortlisted I was flabbergasted and even more so when I actually won at the ceremony in Manchester Town Hall. It’s really made me think twice about the impact we all have as teachers including the unseen impact we have on students every day. With the national final coming up later this month at the House of Commons, it makes me very proud to think of the wider STEM community to which I belong and the future generation of STEM specialists we are all inspiring.
I tell my students the stories my parents told me about the opportunities that present themselves when you have a good education under your belt. If that inspires just one student, I will be happy. My motto in life is: “If you always do what you've always done, you'll always have what you've already got”. I tell my students this all the time in the hope they will always strive to be their best, whatever that may be.
I love being a teacher and the many challenges it brings - the very best day of the year is results day. That's the day I learn that the students have done it! They've got something that no one can ever take from them and their exciting journey is about to begin.
Share your STEM stories
As the academic year draws to a close, we want to celebrate all of the amazing things that have been achieved this year. If you have an inspiring STEM story that you want to share, contact us or join in the conversation on Twitter, @STEMLearningUK #STEMStories17.