My Journey...
Why?
I often ask myself the question "why did I decide to do the PGCE?". For anyone embarking on theirs, congratulations but also, good luck! It has been a challenging year with many ups and downs but this year has shown me so much. Ultimately I have been able to gain some valuable experiences. As a geeky lover of psychology, I have been able to teach in such a range of areas but also had some wonderful opportunities to observe other teachers within departments. This year has been particularly valuable due to the range of specialisms within our course. Of course there will always be some difficult moments within a group, otherwise Tuckmans model of group development wouldn't work, however, I have been fortunate enough to learn things such as what makes a helecopter fly, or the rules of a ruck in rugby.
So looking back to the beginning, I know why I chose to do this. I set out on this course not necessarily wanting to develop as an outstanding teacher, but to develop as an effective practitioner. Reflective and reflexive practice has underpinned every element of the course which will only be of extreme benefit in my future. Yes, I have had some fantastic feedback from mentors, and yes, I have been given opportunities, but what has been more valuable that anything has been the inportance of fending for yourself. Using the theory to underpin my practice, ethos and ideologies has been the most valuable lesson. Recieving insight into theoriest at a deeper level which influences each step of my progress. Finally, an opportunity to network and learn from each other. This is why I did a PGCE.
Education is a valuable resource to anyone who can use it effectively. On my teaching page are some videos of my micro-teaches that I submitted and make me cringe when I see them. The reason for this is because it is not organic but a ficticious set up (not only because I am having to witness myself speak). Education in my opinion should be a natural occurance where students thrive on knowledge, where there is a mutual respect to all voices and there is a collaborative approach to sharing idea. With this in mind, education for me is the pathway to change and challenge. Changing peoples ignorances, challenging peoples negative views but ideally, changing the course of our fate which sometimes is going down a slippery slope.
As a keen diver, lover of nature and follower of cultures and religions, I feel that all it sometimes takes is a passionte and enthusiastic teacher with a positive attitude for creating change. Education will change, our futures will change, and therefore, the way we teach will need to change. Fortunately, I also have the subject of psychology to embbed within that.
Influences
My parents have been the key to my success. Going back to my early years where it was a battle to even remember my spellings. They have always pushed for me to do my best in anything I do but also, to be resillient to the challenges that I have faced. They have helped fund and support me with gaining insight into my potential careers.
My brothers are sister are very dear to me but they are also my most critical critics. They are amazing in telling you as it is, but also being the most supportive when down, often through means of a good bit of banter.
I love to travel and have been fortunate enough to visit some wonderful sights. India however was a more precious exterience. Visiting my roots was always a dream and it really helped to change my outlook on life. My family and friends out there really reinforced my positive outlook on life, being grateful and content with little materialistic posessions. Seeing my grandparents home, now a school for the local villiage, run by my family, was undeniably emotional. They created the potential in my faters villiage (Somalingapalem) and without them, there would be no temple, no school and no opportunity for the locals. They are a huge inspiration along with the rest of my family.
Anyone who really knows me will understand my obsessive love for Cornwall! It's my home, my therapy and my playground. The weathered coast line and beautiful seas always pick me up but also have provided the thinking space for many of my plans. My heart will always be here, even if my career isn't.