University – a transformational experience
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I don’t remember this particular student when she was in my sixth form tutor group and history A level class but, to be honest, she never stood out in any way.
She was never difficult or awkward and I don’t recall having to chase her for work. Nor do I remember her as an especially outstanding or bright individual. She attended lessons….. and, well, that is all.
Recently I was invited to one of those potentially awkward school reunions, you know the “˜Class of ????’. I was not particularly looking forward to it as I always thought that most of the interesting and successful ex-students had something better to go to. Anyway I went along wondering who I might see.
Unremarkable to remarkable
At first I was not sure who she was – the girl who came up to me with confidence and a detectable bounce in her step – but then it dawned on me. Standing in front of me, talking to me in an ebullient way and with a quite charming manner, was that unremarkable student who, at first, I struggled to recall. She told me she had just completed her “˜finals’ at University. She said she was expected to get a ’1st’ in……. History! I think I managed to hide my surprise but certainly showed my delight at this news.
She then went on to tell me what a fantastic and rewarding time her University years had turned out to be. The course itself had captured her interest and enthusiasm particularly being able to specialise in Chinese History. She had spent two months in Beijing and had learnt (and was continuing to learn) Mandarin Chinese. I could hardly believe that it was the same girl who had sat so placidly in my lessons.
Big ambitions
In her first year at Uni, after a chance meeting with one of the editorial team, she began to write articles for the Student Newspaper and then in her subsequent 2nd and 3rd years she went on to become one of the editors and indeed she also wrote articles that were published in a local magazine. It was no surprise that she went on to tell me that she had only recently secured a position as a Features Writer for a local newspaper in the county.
This bright and interesting young woman, who at school never showed much determination or ambition, went on to tell me of her aim to, one day, become a journalist for a national newspaper or even work for television as a foreign correspondent. I have every confidence that she will succeed.
Rob Walker, History teacher
Rob Walker’s career trajectory – insurance to history teacher…
I chose to study A levels in French, Economics and History as I quite liked the subjects and thought I was best at them. I then went straight to work without considering university. No one from my family had stayed on in education beyond 16. Two years working for a London Insurance Company convinced me that there had to be more to life. I did a degree in History at North Western Polytechnic, followed by a PGCE (PE main, with History subsidiary). For the last 30 years I have taught in a variety of state schools in North London and Herts. I have had some great times and I have worked with some fantastic people.
